At the Incubator Creative Hub, we are deeply committed to uplifting and celebrating Toi Māori (Māori art) as an integral part of our cultural identity and creative community. We believe Toi Māori should be celebrated, appreciated, and mainstreamed into our collective consciousness. From rangatahi to established artists, we strive to create opportunities that elevate Māori art and storytelling.
It is not just an expression of creativity - it is a window into Te Ao Māori worldview fostering understanding and connection for all people. Māori art (toi Māori) - whether carving (whakairo), weaving (raranga), tattooing (tā moko), or contemporary visual arts - carries these values. Each piece tells a story of whakapapa, mana, and kaitiakitanga, making it more than decoration - it's a living expression of identity and worldview.
OKORORE NGĀ TOI MĀORI
Our revered Okorore Ngā Toi Māori Whare Taonga Gallery, led by kaitiaki Hayley Smith, serves as a vital space for Māori artists to exhibit their work. Each year, we host 6-8 major exhibitions showcasing both traditional and contemporary Toi Māori. We support these artists by providing affordable studio spaces, ensuring they can continue their creative practice with dignity and opportunity.
We acknowledge the immense contributions of Wāhine Toa who shaped Okorore's early evolution, including Arohanoa Mathews and Kalena Egan. Since 2019, 17 resident indigenous artists have held space within our hub, enriching our community with their creativity and cultural narratives.
All of this has been achieved without dedicated pūtea (funding), relying instead on the generosity of our team, volunteers, and inspirational guidance from our community.
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Upcoming Events
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WHANAUNGATANGA IN THE ARTS COMMUNITY
At the Incubator Creative Hub, we believe whanaungatanga (kinship and connection) is the heartbeat of a thriving arts community. In the context of Toi Māori and creative practice, these relationships foster collaboration, mentorship and collective strength - ensuring artists, audiences and cultural knowledge flourish together.
"He waka eke noa" - "We are all in this waka together:
Remembering Matua Peri Kohu
Ka maumahara tonu mātou ki a Peri Kohu – te kaumatua o Ngāi Tamarāwaho, te pou herenga mō tō mātou mahi toi. Mō tō manaaki, mō tō aroha, mō tō kaha ki te ārahi.
Moe mai rā e te rangatira.
We will always remember Matua Peri Kohu – Ngāi Tamarāwaho, the anchor of our toi Māori work. For your encouragement, your wisdom, your strength in guiding us and your talent performing at our events.
Rest in Peace
Toi Māori Past Events
He Kokonga Ngākau - Exhibition by Ila-Rose HepetemaSat, 06 SeptOkorore Ngā Toi Māori Gallery and Studio
September Street Party Arts CelebrationFri, 05 SeptThe Incubator Creative Hub
Te Manawataki O Te Papa 3.30pm - 4.15pmWed, 13 AugVillage Community Cinema
Te Manawataki O Te Papa 12pm - 12.45pmTue, 12 AugVillage Community Cinema
Ngā Tae o te Taiao - Painting with WhenuaThu, 17 JulThe Creative Community Campus
Ngā Tae o te Taiao - Painting with WhenuaThu, 26 JunThe Creative Community Campus
Waiata Uku - Clay Songs Matariki ExhibitionSat, 14 JunThe Pot House Gallery
Hei Tāpiri - Mana MoanaToi Māori ExhibitionSat, 14 JunThe Incubator Gallery
Hononga Exhibition - Pāpāmoa College StudentsSat, 14 JunThe Peoples Gallery - Toi Ka Rere
Te Hau Mārire - Jordy Elise Daniels - Matariki ExhibitionSat, 14 JunOkorore Ngā Toi Māori Gallery and Studio
IPU - An Exhibition of VesselsFri, 21 FebTauranga
NGĀ TOI MĀORI: CELEBRATING OUR PAST EVENTS AND ARTISTS
Explore our catalogue of past events celebrating Ngā Toi Māori (Māori arts) and the talented Māori artists and craftspeople who bring them to life. From exhibitions and workshops to performances and wānanga (learning sessions), this collection highlights the richness of Māori creativity and cultural expression. Dive into our archives to rediscover inspiring moments and the enduring legacy of Māori art.
