Kia kotahi te tū
Standing together for the arts
8–10 SEPTEMBER 2025
Tauranga Moana • Mercury Baypark Event Centre
Nui te Kōrero 2025 Rārangi Hōtaka
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
Rāhina, 8 o Mahuru
Monday, 8 September
Optional hosted activities
10.00AM
Cargo Shed open for luggage drop
12.00PM
Welcome from Tauranga City Council & Mana Whenua
12.15PM
Lunch hosted by Tauranga City Council
Panel discussion: Designing a place for people
1.15PM
Guided city tours with Tauranga City Council
An exclusive opportunity to experience one of New Zealand’s most ambitious urban transformations first-hand
2.00PM
Cultural field trip hosted by ngā Iwi o Tauranga Moana
Learn about the history of Tauranga Moana from the perspective of mana whenua and come away with a renewed appreciation of its people, place and Iwi.
4.30PM (approx)
Return to The Cargo Shed
4.45PM
Collect luggage and depart for accommodation
Rātū, 9 o Mauru
Tuesday, 9 September
8.00AM
Registration desk open
9.00AM
Pōwhiri - Mana Whenua
10.00AM
Paramanawa o te Ata | Morning tea
10.40AM
Welcome address
Kent Gardner Chair, Creative New Zealand Arts Council
10.45AM
Opening address
Gretchen La Roche Tumu Whakarae Chief Executive, Creative New Zealand
11.05AM
Te kauhau matua | Keynote
Standing in the future, anchored by ancestors
Puawai Cairns (Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui), Director of Audience and Insight, Te Papa Tongarewa
11.35AM
Ngā wānanga | Breakout stream 1
Choose one of four sessions
Theme: Equity & inclusion
From the margins to the centre: Embedding equity and inclusion in everyday practice
(Repeated at 2.10pm Tuesday)
Sonya Korohina (Ngāti Porou, Pākēha), Director Kaiwhakahaere Matua, Tauranga Art Gallery
Moving equity and inclusion from the edges of arts organisations into the heart of how they operate requires more than good intentions, it calls for bold leadership and sustained commitment.
In this session, Sonya shares practical insights from her experience leading with inclusive values, not as a separate strategy, but as an integral part of programming, governance, staffing, and audience engagement.
Designed for leaders, decision-makers and governors, this session explores what it takes to build a culture where equity and inclusion are embedded and lived every day, across every part of the organisation.
Theme: Equity & inclusion
Beyond the frame: Art, partnership and Te Tiriti-based futures
(Repeated at 2.10pm Tuesday)
Linda Munn (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngā Pōtiki, Te Āti Awa, Ngāi Tahu / Kai Tahu) Māori artist and co-creator of the Tino Rangatiratanga flag, Ara Alam-Simmons (British Bangladeshi) founder of Manawaka Ao (Fireside Chat facilitated by Nigel Borell)
Join acclaimed artist and activist Linda Munn and cross-cultural advocate Ara Alam-Simmons for a powerful conversation exploring the role of art in movements for self-determination and identity.
Through kōrero grounded in lived experience, this session will consider how partnerships shaped by Te Tiriti o Waitangi can influence more inclusive, equitable futures in the arts. With support from facilitator, Nigel Borell, Linda and Ara will reflect on the intersection of art, activism, and cross-cultural collaboration, offering delegates both inspiration and practical insight to guide equity and inclusion across ngā toi.
Expect a grounded, thought-provoking session that speaks to both the heart and the system.
Theme: Accessibility
Designing with both hands: building bi-lingual (Deaf and hearing) practice
(Repeated at 2.10pm Tuesday)
Rāhera Turner (Waikato / Tainui, Ngāti Mahuta, Te Patupō, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Dr Laura Haughey Co-founders, Equal Voices Arts
Building an accessible organisation means more than responding to access needs. It means embedding bi-lingual (Deaf and hearing) communication into the very way an organisation operates, creates, and connects.
In this breakout session, leaders from Equal Voices Arts, an acclaimed Deaf and hearing-led theatre and performance company, share their approach to building an inclusive, bi-lingual organisation grounded in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and spoken English.
Drawing on their creative practice and organisational experience, Equal Voices will explore the practical steps, cultural shifts and design thinking needed to make accessibility a core organisational capability. From programming and production through to governance and daily operations, this session offers a dynamic, real-world perspective on inclusion that moves beyond compliance to co-creation.
Delegates will leave with ideas and insights they can take back to their own organisations, whether they're just beginning the journey, or looking to deepen their bi-lingual practice.
Theme: Accessibility
Living, creating and thriving as disabled Pasifika artists
Tusiata Avia (Samoan-Palangi), poet, performer, and writer (via live stream), Lusi Faiva (Samoan), performance artist and advocate in conversation, facilitated by Moana Ete (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Wheke, Rāpaki and Savai’l Samoa)
Tusiata and Lusi share a powerful conversation grounded in their lived experiences as disabled Pasifika artists in Aotearoa. Tusiata, an acclaimed poet, playwright and Arts Laureate, has long used her work to challenge dominant narratives around identity, gender and race, and has openly acknowledged her experiences of disability.
Lusi, a founding member of Touch Compass and recipient of many awards including the Toa Artistic Achievement Award at Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards 2020. She has paved the way for physically disabled performers through her bold and innovative work. Together, they will reflect on what it means to sustain a creative life as disabled artists, the systemic shifts still needed in the sector, and what meaningful inclusion could look like for the next generation.
12.30PM
Kai o te poupoutanga o te rā | Lunch
1.40PM
Te matapaki nui | Plenary session
Stories we own: Community-led creativity beyond dominant narratives
Jessica Hansell aka Coco Solid (Ngāpuhi/Samoa), writer, multimedia artist and musician, Director Wheke Fortress
2.10PM
Ngā wānanga | Breakout stream 2
Choose one of four sessions
Theme: Equity & inclusion
From the margins to the centre: Embedding equity and inclusion in everyday practice
(Repeated at 11.35am Tuesday)
Sonya Korohina (Ngāti Porou, Pākēha), Director Kaiwhakahaere Matua, Tauranga Art Gallery
Moving equity and inclusion from the edges of arts organisations into the heart of how they operate requires more than good intentions, it calls for bold leadership and sustained commitment.
In this session, Sonya shares practical insights from her experience leading with inclusive values, not as a separate strategy, but as an integral part of programming, governance, staffing, and audience engagement.
Designed for leaders, decision-makers and governors, this session explores what it takes to build a culture where equity and inclusion are embedded and lived every day, across every part of the organisation.
Theme: Equity & inclusion
Beyond the frame: Art, partnership and Te Tiriti-based futures
(Repeated at 11.35am Tuesday)
Linda Munn (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngā Pōtiki, Te Āti Awa, Ngāi Tahu / Kai Tahu) Māori artist and co-creator of the Tino Rangatiratanga flag, Ara Alam-Simmons founder of Manawaka Ao (Fireside Chat facilitated by Nigel Borell)
Join acclaimed artist and activist Linda Munn and cross-cultural advocate Ara Alam-Simmons for a powerful conversation exploring the role of art in movements for self-determination and identity.
Through kōrero grounded in lived experience, this session will consider how partnerships shaped by Te Tiriti o Waitangi can influence more inclusive, equitable futures in the arts. With support from facilitator. Nigel Borell, Linda and Ara will reflect on the intersection of art, activism, and cross-cultural collaboration, offering delegates both inspiration and practical insight to guide equity and inclusion across ngā toi.
Expect a grounded, thought-provoking session that speaks to both the heart and the system.
Theme: Accessibility
Designing with both hands: Building bi-lingual (Deaf and hearing) practice
(Repeated at 11.35am Tuesday)
Rāhera Turner (Waikato / Tainui, Ngāti Mahuta, Te Patupō, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Dr Laura Haughey Co-founders, Equal Voices Arts
Building an accessible organisation means more than responding to access needs. It means embedding bi-lingual (Deaf and hearing) communication into the very way an organisation operates, creates, and connects.
In this breakout session, leaders from Equal Voices Arts, an acclaimed Deaf and hearing-led theatre and performance company, share their approach to building an inclusive, bi-lingual organisation grounded in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and spoken English.
Drawing on their creative practice and organisational experience, Equal Voices will explore the practical steps, cultural shifts and design thinking needed to make accessibility a core organisational capability. From programming and production through to governance and daily operations, this session offers a dynamic, real-world perspective on inclusion that moves beyond compliance to co-creation.
Delegates will leave with ideas and insights they can take back to their own organisations, whether they're just beginning the journey, or looking to deepen their bi-lingual practice.
Theme: Accessibility
Arts Access Fellowship design: Removing barriers and fostering inclusion
Kim Anderson (Ngāti Maniapoto, Singaporean-Chinese) and Robyn Hunt in conversation with Stace Robertson
In this session, Stace Robertson from Arts Access Aotearoa will facilitate a session highlighting two pioneering programmes, the Arts Access Fellowship and the Toi Pōneke Residency, designed to remove barriers and foster inclusion across the arts sector.
Joined by recipients Robyn Hunt and Kim Anderson, Stace will guide a kōrero on what makes these programmes successful: intentional design, accessible governance, shared resources, and lived experience at the centre.
This session will offer real-world inspiration and practical methods for arts organisations, producers, and governors seeking to embed accessibility meaningfully and sustainably.
3.05PM
Paramanawa o te ahiahi | Afternoon tea
3.45PM
Te matapaki nui | Plenary session
Crip time and the Va: Intersectional pathways to accessible arts practice
Pelenakeke Brown (Gataivai, Siutu-Salailua), interdisciplinary artist
4.15PM
Ngā hihiri | Spark sessions
Four 8-minute presentations back-to-back
Carving identity through mural art
Graham Hoete aka Mr G (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Awa), multi-disciplinary artist and designer
Guidance on remuneration for ringatoi
Tama Kirikiri (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Konohi, Ngāti Rākaipaaka, Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu) Poumatua Deputy Chief Executive, Toi Mai
Introduction to the practice of audio description
Nicola Owen Director Audio Described Aotearoa Ltd
Inclusive creative education: Shaping accessible arts learning
Duncan Armstrong Performer & inclusive arts advocate
4.55PM
Introduction to The Incubator Creative Hub
James Wilson Chair, The Incubator Creative Hub
5.00PM
He whakakapi mō te rā | Day wrap-up
5.15PM
Buses depart for The Incubator
5.30PM
Pārekareka | Networking function
The Incubator Creative Hub
Toi Ora: art village after dark – an evening of art, kai and kōrero
Stay for dinner at The Incubator or head back to Tauranga city centre
Buses will depart at 7.30pm and 8.30pm
7.30PM and 8.30PM
Buses depart The Incubator to return to Tauranga city centre
Rāapa, 10 o Mahuru
Wednesday, 10 September
8.30AM
Registration desk opens
9.00AM
He whakatūwhera ki te rā tuarua | Opening to day two
9.10AM
Te kauhau matua | Keynote
Te Ōhanga Tikanga: The cultural creative economy as a source of strength and sovereignty
Rob Ruha (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Tainui, Te Arawa, Ngā Puhi, Rongowhakaata, Ngā Ariki), Composer, musician and mentor
9.40AM
Te matapaki nui | Plenary session
Te Ao Matihiko: Navigating the Digital Realm Through a Māori Lens
Kereama Taepa (Te Arawa, Te Ātiawa), contemporary Māori digital artist
10.00AM
Paramanawa o te Ata | Morning tea
10.45AM
Te kauhau matua | Keynote
Growing the pie: Partnership building through a philanthropic lens
Sharon van Gulik Director, SvG Limited (virtual presentation)
11.15AM
Te matapaki nui | Plenary session
Reimagining reach: Audiences, identity and the art of belonging
Anna Rawhiti Connell Head of Audience and Off-platform Strategy, and a Senior Writer at The Spinoff
11.35AM
Ngā wānanga | Breakout stream 3
Choose one of four sessions
Theme: Emerging technologies
Navigating the safety and boundaries of digitising Indigenous knowledge
Tanya Ruka (Ngāti Pakau, Ngāpuhi), Lecturer in Mātauranga Māori in Design, Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington
Indigenous knowledge systems carry deep cultural, spiritual and relational significance and their movement into digital spaces brings both opportunities and serious responsibilities. In this thought-provoking session, contemporary artist and researcher Tanya Ruka shares insights from her work with Native Land Digital and the development of Kōrero AI, a project at the leading edge of digital innovation guided by mātauranga Māori.
Through the lens of creative practice and lived experience, Tanya will speak to the ethics of data sovereignty, the risks and tensions in digitising cultural knowledge, and the importance of tikanga in shaping safer, more inclusive pathways.
This session invites reflection and kōrero on how Indigenous values can inform responsible tech development across the arts and beyond.
Theme: Emerging technologies
Applications of AI: Potential, pitfalls and practical insights
(Repeated at 1.45pm Wednesday)
Lynell Tuffrey Huria, Anna Rawhiti-Connell & others, facilitated by Claire Murdoch Senior Manager Arts Development Services, Creative New Zealand
The timeliness of this kaupapa/kōrero needs no introduction. AI is reshaping how we work, create, and connect – with all its potential, pitfalls and philosophical challenges. This panel brings together leading voices from technology, media, and indigenous intellectual property to share practical insights and explore AI’s applications for the arts: What we need to know now, where AI can add value, and what creative possibilities lie ahead.
The panel will unpack lessons learned and evolving best practice, examine the human and cultural dimensions of AI adoption, and consider how artists and organisations can use AI with purpose, for greater equity, collaboration and creativity.
Theme: Creative economies
Strength in unity: Pasifika festival sustainability in action
Pasifika Festivals Aotearoa
Pasifika Festivals Aotearoa Inc has developed a powerful sustainability model grounded in cultural leadership, collaboration, and shared resourcing. Representing a national network of over 25 festivals, from Invercargill to Northland, this wāhine-led organisation supports locally driven events while building collective influence and impact across the motu.
In this session, representatives from Pasifika Festivals Aotearoa will share how the network has navigated funding pressures, strengthened cultural integrity, and supported long-term planning by working together. With practical examples and reflections, this kōrero will offer valuable insights for those interested in kaupapa-driven approaches and how collective action can enhance resilience and innovation in the arts sector.
Theme: Creative economies
Reframing the narrative: Shaping public conversations that connect
(Repeated at 1.45pm Wednesday)
Dr Jess Berentson-Shaw (Pākehā, Tangata tiriti), Co‑Founder & Director of Narrative Research and Strategy, The Workshop
How we frame our messages matters, it influences how people understand, care about, and act on the issues we raise.
In this practical and thought-provoking session, Dr Jess Berentson-Shaw will introduce the fundamentals of framing and narrative strategy, with a focus on how the arts sector can use them to build support, challenge assumptions, and deepen public understanding.
Through examples and discussion, participants will explore how different ways of presenting information can either invite connection or unintentionally reinforce unhelpful thinking.
You’ll gain tools for crafting narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, connect to shared values, and strengthen the impact of your advocacy, engagement or communications.
12.35PM
Kai o te poupoutanga o te rā | Lunch
1.45PM
Ngā wānanga | Breakout stream 4
Choose one of three sessions
He ara whakamua: Shaping the path to 2040
Discussion groups
How can we create stronger collective responses rooted in Kotahitanga to the challenges and opportunities facing ngā toi and the arts? What bold, collaborative solutions could help us thrive together, now and into the future?
This session is a dynamic, participatory conversational process that invites delegates to sit together in cross-sector groups and engage in solution-focused kōrero about key issues shaping the future of the arts in Aotearoa. Each table will explore a pre-set topic that reflects an important area of aspiration, transformation or need across the sector.
Theme: Emerging technologies
Applications of AI: Potential, pitfalls and practical insights
(Repeated at 11.35am Wednesday)
Lynell Tuffrey Huria, Anna Rawhiti-Connell & others, facilitated by Claire Murdoch Senior Manager Arts Development Services, Creative New Zealand
The timeliness of this kaupapa/kōrero needs no introduction. AI is reshaping how we work, create, and connect – with all its potential, pitfalls and philosophical challenges. This panel brings together leading voices from technology, media, and indigenous intellectual property to share practical insights and explore AI’s applications for the arts: What we need to know now, where AI can add value, and what creative possibilities lie ahead.
The panel will unpack lessons learned and evolving best practice, examine the human and cultural dimensions of AI adoption, and consider how artists and organisations can use AI with purpose, for greater equity, collaboration and creativity.
Theme: Creative economies
Reframing the narrative: Shaping public conversations that connect
(Repeated at 11.35am Wednesday)
Dr Jess Berentson-Shaw (Pākehā, Tangata tiriti), Co‑Founder & Director of Narrative Research and Strategy, The Workshop
How we frame our messages matters, it influences how people understand, care about, and act on the issues we raise.
In this practical and thought-provoking session, Dr Jess Berentson-Shaw will introduce the fundamentals of framing and narrative strategy, with a focus on how the arts sector can use them to build support, challenge assumptions, and deepen public understanding.
Through examples and discussion, participants will explore how different ways of presenting information can either invite connection or unintentionally reinforce unhelpful thinking.
You’ll gain tools for crafting narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, connect to shared values, and strengthen the impact of your advocacy, engagement or communications.
2.55PM
Te matapaki nui | Plenary session
Value proposition of the arts in the export story
Karl Wixon (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Ngāi Tahu, Moriori, Ngāti Toa Rangatira), Kaiārahi Māori, NZ Story
3.10PM
Te kauhau matua | Keynote
Designing value: Creativity, connection, and the future we make
Karen Walker CNZM, internationally celebrated New Zealand designer and entrepreneur, Arts Council member, Creative New Zealand
3.40PM
Whakakapi Nui te Kōrero 2025
4.00PM
Hoki ki te kainga | Depart for home
