Creative Communities Exhibition
Exhibit and Concert
A creative collaboration and exhibition showcasing regional climate and community initiatives.
Midway Surf Rescue Community Lounge
6:00–8:00pm on Sunday 11 February
All welcome
An eclectic group of creative minds is gathering in Tairāwhiti to lend their expertise and passion to climate resilience projects, with the aim of fostering collaboration within communities and supporting impactful change. The initiative, a fusion of art, design, music, and storytelling coordinated by Te Weu Charitable Trust in partnership with Toi Āria, a centre for social impact design at Massey University. The weekend of creativity just ahead of the one-year anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle, aims to elevate extreme weather preparedness discussions and support local groups actively engaged in sustainable land use and adaptation planning.
The visiting creatives and a similar number of local artists, writers and designers have been matched with more than a dozen local community initiatives and projects. Teams will work together over the course of the weekend culminating in an exhibition and performance event.
“Everything created will be shared under Creative Commons licence, meaning our local initiatives and communities will have the rights to reuse the assets in support of their kaupapa”, says co-organiser and Te Weu trustee Renee Raroa.
Wallace Gollan performing in Wellington
Among the invited participants are:
Wallace Gollan
Jazz singer and graphic designer Wallace Gollan, known for her vibrant fusion of soul, hip-hop, and pop, brings a unique blend of music and design to the project. Wallace's eclectic artistic identity and captivating live performances promise to infuse energy into the collaborative efforts. instagram.com/wa_ll_ace
Tim Corballis
Tim Corballis (Pākehā, he/ia) is a Te Whanganui a Tara-based writer and art collaborator, and a senior lecturer in Science in Society, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. He is the author of five novels, including most recently the literary science fiction book Our Future is in the Air. He has a background in mathematics, philosophy and creative writing, with a PhD in the theoretical humanities.
Jean Donaldson
Designer and illustrator Jean Donaldson, with a Master's of Design from Massey University, focuses on creating positive change through her work. Her commitment to the relationship between design and conservation positions her as a catalyst for environmentally conscious initiatives within Tairāwhiti. instagram.com/jeanmanudesign
Michelle Duff
Award-winning journalist Michelle Duff, recognised for her work on health, gender, and environmental issues, brings her investigative prowess to the project. Her commitment to exposing societal issues aligns with the initiative's goal of raising awareness and driving positive change. michelleduff.com
David Cook
Photographer David Cook, with a socially engaged photo-documentary practice, collaborates with communities to tell their stories. His project, Ko te Reo ō Ngā Tāngata / The People’s Voice (a collaboration with Anna Brown), exemplifies his commitment to amplifying voices within society. davidcook.nz
Hanna Breurkes
Designer and illustrator Hanna Breurkes, a recent graduate with honours, is a member of the International Society of Typographic Designers. Her work, such as the interactive book ‘Unearthed’, demonstrates a commitment to fostering curiosity and connection between people and their environments through design. hannabreurkes.myportfolio.com
Toby Morris
Toby Morris, a prominent New Zealand cartoonist and social commentator, is renowned for his non-fiction online comics addressing social issues. His work, such as "On A Plate" and collaborations on COVID-19 graphics, has reached global audiences. Morris's unique ability to communicate complex issues through visuals promises to be an invaluable resource in conveying the urgency of climate change. thespinoff.co.nz/authors/toby-morris
Johanna Mechen
Johanna Mechen, a photographer, explores performativity and participation in photographic practice. Her focus on site-based investigations aims to communicate ecological, historical, and cultural stories. Mechen's multidimensional approach adds depth to the project's narrative, emphasising the intersection of art and environmental understanding.
Jonathan Kay
Photographic artist Jonathan Kay, a lecturer in photography, blends art and science to visualise the unseen aspects of landscapes. His projects, such as Cryosphere and Ice Field, actively engage with climate change concerns. Kay's ability to merge artistic expression with scientific insights offers a compelling perspective on the environmental challenges facing Tairāwhiti. jonathan-kay.com
Ingrid Horrocks
Writer Ingrid Horrocks, with a focus on ecological themes, contributes her extensive experience in creative writing to the project. Her recent work, Where We Swim, blends memoir, essay, and nature writing, offering a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of human experience and the environment. ingridhorrocks.com
Kirsten Browne
Visual Communication Design graduate Kirsten Browne, with over two decades of practice, embraces constraints as opportunities for positive change. Her evolving toolkit, beyond traditional design, allows her to explore diverse mediums and innovate towards a better world.
Local community groups and projects that have been paired with the visiting creatives include:
Slash For Cash; Radice Soil Solutions; Ngahere Network; Exchange Cafe; Salt Water Whānau; East Coast Exchange; Te Kautuku Station; Circular Economy Mission; Tairāwhiti Bioeconomy Project; Tāiki E! Next Gen Escapes; and Tōtaranui Nama Ono Trust.
This dynamic collaboration will see these creative luminaries engaging with local communities through workshopping ideas, creative expression, and the production of artistic works. The pinnacle of their efforts will be showcased at a public exhibition and performances at Midway Community Hub starting 6pm on Sunday 11 February, providing a platform for the community to witness the fruits of this multidisciplinary, multi-community endeavour. The public are welcome to attend this free event.
Anna Brown
A design researcher, educator, and founder of Toi Āria: Design for Public Good, Professor Anna Brown brings her expertise in participatory design to the forefront. Her commitment to delivering public good through design aligns seamlessly with the project's goals. Professor Brown, also the director of Toi Āria, will engage with local communities to explore the potential of design in driving social change. annabrown.nz
Renee Raroa — Ngāti Porou
Renee is from Rangitukia and works with Toha Network developing an online platform to reliably measure and prove regenerative outcomes. Renee leads the ECX, which was established in response to Cyclone Gabrielle, demonstrating a new way to fund and get paid for climate and nature-positive action. Renee is the Chairperson of Te Weu Charitable Trust, a not-for-profit charity set up to progress research and conversations around land use and climate change in Tairāwhiti, and a trustee of Taike E!, Tairāwhiti’s first Impact House. In 2023 she represented Mana Taiao Tairāwhiti, giving a presentation at a forum on indigenous issues at a meeting of the United Nations in New York.
Event organisers are:
Emma Bossley
Emma Bossley, a Digital Producer at For Purpose, is a seasoned project manager with a passion for digital content and events that create positive social change. Her experience in collaborating on meaningful projects makes her a valuable asset to the initiative, adding a digital perspective to the multifaceted approach to climate action. forpurpose.nz/emmab
For media inquiries, please contact:
Renee Raroa: renee.raroa@toha.network / 021 041 6856
Anna Brown: a.e.brown@massey.ac.nz / 021 511 515
About Te Weu: Te Weu Charitable Trust is a community organisation based in Tairāwhiti focused on climate resilience research and a just transition to truly sustainable land use.
About Toi Āria: Toi Āria: Design for Public Good is a research unit in the College of Creative Arts, Toi Rauwhārangi, on Massey University’s Wellington campus. The team at Toi Āria believe that design has a role to play in delivering public good and are interested in how conversations and community engagement can drive social change.