Toi Māori win for largest arts venue in Far North

A new wave of Toi Māori programming is coming to the Turner Centre in Kerikeri with the creation of a new role dedicated to elevating Māori arts in the region.

Hana-May Riedlinger-Kapa (Ngāti Rēhia) has been appointed to the role of Kaiārahi Toi Māori – created in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia and supported by Creative New Zealand's Development Fund for Arts Organisations and Groups.

Hana-May is a multi-disciplinary artist who has worked with rāranga (weaving), taonga puoro (traditional Māori instruments), and has a background in mahi hauora (health and wellbeing). Being born and raised in Kerikeri, Hana-May has a deep understanding of the people and place this kaupapa is rooted in.

Fans of the Turner Centre, the Far North’s largest arts venue, can expect workshops making traditional instruments, discussions on historic settlements, community kapa haka, immersive sound journeys, and world class Māori dance performances – all in the first few months of Hana-May taking on the role.

“Mahi toi and the arts have the power to shift collective narratives, shape political landscapes, uplift, inspire, and connect communities,” says Hana-May.

The in-house role, solely focused on Toi Māori programming and audience development, is a unique model for regional performing arts venues.

Upcoming events shaped by the Kaiārahi Toi Māori include:

Ngāti Rēhia Community Kapa Haka (21 April to 12 July): Popular 10-week programme introducing adults to kapa haka, culminating in a performance.

Discussion ‘Kororipo Pā: The Return of a Historic Landmark’ (May): An engaging discussion with Kipa Munro, Kaumātua and Chairperson of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia, who played a key role in coordinating negotiations with the Crown and Treaty settlement officials, and heritage expert David Clendon.

Te Pū o te Oro (17 May): An immersive sound journey blending taonga puoro, breath, poetry, and pūrākau.

Matariki celebration (12 July): Featuring Ngāti Rēhia Community Kapa Haka group and Pasifika performances.

National Touring Dance Works: Including Rongo Whakapā by acclaimed Atamira Dance Company (7-8 May) and Matariki for Tamariki from NZ Dance Company (21 June), bringing world-class Māori dance to Far North audiences.

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Main image - Uku Workshop, creating taonga puoro with clay, held in April.