The awards recognise the contribution of individuals and organisations in providing access to the arts, and celebrate the achievements of artists with lived experience of disability or mental ill-health.
[4] Helen Vivienne Fletcher, Wellington, was highly commended in this category "for her achievements and contributions as a multi-talented writer, performance poet, teacher and mentor.
"[4] Cantabrainers Choir, Christchurch, were highly commended in this category, "for transforming the lives of its singers (people with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Traumatic Brain Injury) and building community, social connection and joy in singing.
"[4] Zak Devey and Youth Arts NZ, Auckland, were highly commended "for his dedication, reflection, responsiveness and innovative processes in the development of Te Kāhui, a creative writing programme for rangatahi in Mt Eden Corrections Facility.
Creating an album of music across multiple sites demonstrates her ability to navigate complex issues and achieve excellent results.