Elton John

Above is a portrait of Elton with his feather cloak gift, which he was presented with in December 2007.

"It's the Maori equivalent to an Academy Award" and means the music-maker is an honored member of the Ngati Te Whiti sub-tribe, group chairman Peter Love explained at the time.

He added that the honour was in "recognition of the enjoyment Sir Elton John's music has given to Maori over the years and his loyal continuance to return to Aotearoa to entertain." {Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand.}

Elton received the Korowai cloak at a New Plymouth concert, where he played before 15,000 people.

The painter is New Zealand's Craig S. Primrose, who said it's an honour to do a picture of someone who has reached the pinnacle of his career, such as the Rocket Man.

Craig will present the painting to Elton on May 14--when the singer is scheduled to play Auckland's Vector Arena.

Two other canvases are to be signed by Elton, and sold at auction.

Proceeds go to the EJAF and an organisation supporting the health of youngsters under the age of five, the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society.