Filmmaker, actor, artist and champion of New Zealand culture, Taika Waititi has been named 2017 New Zealander of the Year.

Mr Waititi was unable to receive the award in person because of work commitments in Los Angeles.

His wife, Chelsea Winstanley, collected the award on his behalf from the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Bill English.

Accompanied by Hunt for the Wilderpeople actor Julian Dennison, Ms Winstanley also collected the Kiwibank kaitaka huaki cloak, Pouhine, from last year’s New Zealander of the Year, Richie McCaw.

LISTEN ABOVE AS TAIKA WAITITI SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING