As the year gathers momentum, our whare has been buzzing with creativity, movement, connection, and the joyful return of our community. February has offered us the perfect blend of sunshine, kaupapa, and new beginnings and we’re excited to share some highlights with you.
As Term 1 unfolds, and it’s been heartwarming to see every corner filled with learners of all ages diving into their mahi toi. Our Rongoā Māori 8‑Week Course continues to be a deeply meaningful wānanga, weaving healing, mātauranga and creative expression together.
At the same time, our Beginners Te Reo Māori – Level 1 class is already helping whānau grow in confidence with kōrero, pepeha and everyday language.
Kaumātua Creatives has also returned with our super‑talented tutor Lee, creating a warm and social space where our kaumātua can craft, connect and share stories.
For adults seeking a reflective creative outlet, Abstract Mondays offers a calm environment to explore abstract art each week, while tamariki are thriving in our Creative Colour Lab with Monique; a vibrant space full of colour, curiosity and growing confidence.
Our first Art, Aroha & Autism 4‑Week Block is nearly complete, and with its focus on sensory exploration, emotional literacy and creative confidence, we’re excited to open our next block next week. Raranga continues to be one of our most popular kaupapa, with both night classes and weekend wānanga filling quickly.
Our Toi Māori visual arts programme is exploring kōwhaiwhai and even creating their own Manu Taratahi, while Poto leads our Contemporary Weaving class, guiding participants through the whakapapa of the patterns they’re using to create two stunning wall hangings over the six‑week programme. We were also lucky to welcome Becks from Puāwai Gardens for a beautiful weekend workshop on fresh flower bouquet making and due to popular demand, we’ll be offering another one in March, so keep an eye out!
NEW!!! Home School Art Sessions
We are excited to introduce Home School Creative Sessions with Poto. These sessions are designed to support flexible learners with:
- hands-on creative projects
- structured art skill building
- choices tailored to tamariki at different ages and stages
Last week the tamariki made personal plushies and our next class focuses on looming.
Stitched With Love – Community Project
Launching this month is our Stitched With Love community initiative – a heartfelt project bringing people together to create something meaningful and full of aroha. This intergenerational kaupapa invites tamariki, adults, and kaumātua to join us in making 20x20cm crochet squares that will be lovingly stitched into beautiful community blankets. These blankets will be gifted to local whānau and organisations who need a little extra warmth and comfort, ensuring that the kindness of our community is felt where it matters most. Everyone is welcome – whether you’re a seasoned maker, a total beginner, a homeschool family, an after‑school group, or a whānau wanting to create a square together. You don’t need any experience, as we’ll also be running workshops and monthly Sewing Bees to help support newcomers and grow our collective skills.
Stitched With Love will run for all of 2026 offering calm, creative spaces to connect, share stories, learn new skills, and be part of something positive. More information and session dates will be released soon, and we can’t wait to see our community’s hands and hearts woven into this special project. Here is more info on our March Sewing Bee.
OPEN MIC NIGHT – 14 March 2026
Save the date! Our first Open Mic Night of the year will be held on: 📅 Saturday 14 March 2026 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Come share your voice, your poem, your song, your story – or simply come along to enjoy a night of local talent, warm vibes, and whānau-friendly creativity. If you would like to register to perform you can complete this form. All ages welcome. BYO snacks and a cosy blanket!
He mihi nunui ki a koutou
Thank you for bringing your passion, curiosity, and wairua into our whare this month. We love seeing the arts uplift our people — whether through movement, storytelling, textiles, or colour. Term 1 is shaping up to be full of aroha, connection, learning and joy.
NGĀ ART - Te Whare Toi o Ngaaruawaahia 