At Te Manawa, we cultivate creativity, mentorship, and opportunity, uniting and nurturing a thriving community of Māori artists. Woven from three distinct strands—Pūmanawa, Te Manawa, and Whatumanawa—each brings its own unique strength and purpose. Standing independently yet woven together, these strands form a powerful expression of pride in Māori identity and aspirations, embodying the resilience and shared vision of our people.

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Pu-Manawa

Reflecting unlimited potential and hopefulness, Pūmanawa represents the essence of individuality and innate gifts. It celebrates the core identity and origin of each individual, serving as a wellspring of inspiration and possibility. It is your gut, your puku, and your pono.

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Manawa

Embodies the spiritual essence and active engagement with the world. It signifies the vitality of lived experiences, challenges, and aspirations, acting as a bridge between the individual and their surroundings. It is your physical body in this world, it’s the energy that wakes you up and allows you to operate in this world, it's working, it’s money, it’s activation and uprising, it’s the energy of your emotions, it is the bridge, the connector between Pūmanawa and Whatumanawa. It is passion and standing up for what you believe in.

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Whatu-manawa

Represents dreams, aspirations, and spiritual connection. It channels creativity, imagination, and the wisdom of ancestors, fostering a deeper understanding of self and purpose. It is celestial and dreaming, it's where we find meaning through expression and where we understand that our deepest emotions are the motivation we draw on in service to our community.

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Ngā Taukoto

Te Manawa and Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi work in partnership to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Te Taumata provides us with the mechanisms to operate within a framework of accountability, transparency, and compliance. Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi are committed to championing Māori arts and artists in every dimension. The Trust’s investment and support for Te Manawa and the journey over the last four years and into the future is the embodiment of its strategy.

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We are profoundly grateful to Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture & Heritage for their enduring support.



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Me iri ki ngā pātū o te whare kōrero ēnei kupu mihi mō koutou katoa i tautoko pūmau ki te whakatairanga me te whakawhanaketanga o ngā toi Māori. 


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Tō Mātou Rōpū Mahi

Pou Hononga — Eynon Delamere

Eynon hails from Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Rongomai and Whakatōhea on his father’s side and Wales on his mother’s side. He has been part of the Auckland and national arts sector for over 30 years in various roles and is the Pou tikanga for Auckland Arts Festival. Eynon is currently chair of Hoani Waititi Marae, and is the past chair of Te Whānau o Waipareira Trust. He runs a whānau consultancy business focused on building partnership with business / organisations and Māori.

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Toi Māori Lead — Chantelle Whaiapu

Chantelle is of Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri, Ngāti Raukawa, English and German whakapapa. Raised in Manurewa, Chantelle was influenced by the work of her whānau who were involved in key Māori community initiatives in South Auckland including Manurewa Marae, Toi o Manukau Arts Trust, and Taonga Teen Parent unit. She has held numerous arts and community development roles in local government and the not-for-profit sectors. She has produced and managed large scale community events, an art centre, art and event sponsorship portfolios and advised on local and regional art and cultural strategies. Chantelle has previously held governance roles with Massive Theatre and Te Kaha o Te Rangatahi.

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Ngā kaimahi tuarā o Te Manawa

Noah Whaiapu – Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Tainui, Waikato

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Kaiārahi a ngā whare toi

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Te Whare Atamira – Stage

Cat Ruka

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Te Whare Whakaahua – Visual Arts

Nigel Borrell

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Te Whare Katakata – Comedy

Borni Tukiwaho

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Te Whare Puoro – Music

Sarah Owen

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Te Whare Teina – Rangatahi

Aniwa Laumalie Whaiapu Koloamatanga

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Te Whare Pora – Weavers

Shelley Bell

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Our whare toi are led by passionate kaiārahi who support and uplift our community. With regular hui and wānanga, there are countless opportunities to share ideas, get feedback, and grow your practice.

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