Kia ora e te whānau, this year has been both challenging and inspiring for us as a not-for-profit organisation committed to going the extra mile so our community can thrive through the arts. From moments of learning and inspiration to the connections built, we are proud of what we continue to deliver together. While recent funding reductions have challenged us, we remain deeply grateful to all who continue to stand alongside us – especially the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, whose support over the past three years has enabled so much of our mahi. Looking ahead, we are delighted to share that Creative New Zealand has confirmed funding for the next two years, giving us the stability to continue as a recognised creative hub at the heart of Ngāruawāhia. To keep this momentum, we are actively seeking support from grant providers, sponsors, and donors. If you or your organisation would like to be part of this journey, we would love to hear from you.
2025 so far!
What an amazing winter we have had here at NGĀ ART with so many new and exciting programmes and events taking place. We hope that you have had the chance to come and visit us this year, if not we have some exciting programmes, events and visiting artists confirmed before the end of 2025! We want to share some of these highlights with you all:
The NGĀ ART Poetry Slam
Our first-ever poetry slam was a full house and what a buzz it was! Whānau, rangatahi, and local poets gathered to share, be challenged, be vulnberable and to connect. The poetry was fierce, funny, or profoundly heartfelt, each poem filled our space with love, laughter, tears, and oohs. The night was special, and we are so grateful to the two local donors that made the night possible. We are also grateful for the $200 funding from Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day Fund that inspired us to create an event that was local, encouraged intergeneration connection, created individual courage, and creativity galore!!! And guess what…this is just the beginning as we have more poetry events on the way. Also, just a reminder that our September Writers Space is happening this Sunday the 14th of September 2025 from 11am to 1pm. This is event is a monthly meet up over a cuppa participants come together to share, learn, encourage and inspire each other. All writers are welcome and it’s just a koha to attend.
Art, Aroha and Autism
We are deeply proud to launch Art, Aroha and Autism, a warm, inclusive series designed in partnership with neurodiverse tamariki and their whānau. Monique, Poto and Laura work together to create a space where our autistic children and their whanau can come together to immerse themselves in the arts. Both rooms are prepared so these tamariki can explore art through the lens of aroha-kindness, care, and affirmation of unique expression. It’s a gentle, intentional programme that encourages self-discovery, belonging, and the beauty of difference. If you have any questions about this programme, please do reach out to us or call in for a chat.
Toi Māori with Monique Heward
We’re also excited to highlight our Toi Māori Visual Arts Programme led by artist Monique Heward. This is a space for learning the whakapapa of kōwhaiwhai and understanding how traditional design connects us all as we tell our stories through contemporary mediums. It’s about shining a light on the traditional knowledge of Toi Māori that already lives within us, and bringing those patterns, stories, and cultural threads forward into today’s creative expression. We will run the same class in term 4 and launch our Toi Māori Textile class with another amazing local artist Poto Morgan.
What’s Next at NGĀ ART
We are excited to welcome two outstanding artists to Ngāruawāhia this year, each bringing their own distinctive voice, story, and creative energy to our community.
Larry Abreño – Coffee Painting Workshops & Artist Talk
8-9 November 2025
Acclaimed author and coffee-painting artist Larry Abreño joins us for a weekend of creativity and connection. Larry will lead family-friendly workshops exploring the unique art of painting with coffee – an eco-conscious and inspiring practice. He will also host an Artist Talk & Live Demonstration, sharing his journey, techniques, and insights with the wider community.
Maungarongo (Ron) Te Kawa – Fabric Art & Storytelling Workshop
6-7 December 2025
Ron Te Kawa returns with a two-day workshop weaving fabric art, storytelling, and whakapapa into powerful creative expression. On Saturday evening, join us for Kai, Creativity & Kōrero, where Ron will share his practice and guide the community in making paper “bling taniwha.” Expect warmth, inspiration, and connection.
And there’s more coming up at NGĀ ART:
- Find your voice – More writing events are on the way!
- Feel the love – Art, Aroha & Autism sessions continue (dates coming soon).
- Learn and flourish culturally – Two term 4 Toi Māori programmes will be announced shortly. Keep an eye out on our booking site and Facebook page.
- Save the date – Our annual End of Year Night Market & Exhibition: 5 December 2025.
Thanks to the creativity, aroha, and courage of our community, NGĀ ART continues to grow as a recognised hub of connection, expression, and cultural strength. Together, we are weaving a story of inclusion, empowerment, and joy.
Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest updates, events, and moments of creativity.
NGĀ ART - Te Whare Toi o Ngaaruawaahia 