At 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 Wahine 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.
TAURANGA MOANA MATARIKI CELEBRATIONS
As active participants
The Incubator Creative Hub are committed to bringing a diverse array of creative arts and events to the Tauranga Moana Community during Matariki.
Every year we work alongside the Matariki Tauranga Moana committee and our team at Okorore Ngā Toi Māori to ensure a city-wide calendar of diverse events including a whānau friendly day of celebration in the Village.
We welcome you to celebrate the month of Matariki with us.
we deliver a robust programme of:
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Wānanga (workshops)
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Exhibitions
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Live music performances
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Māori-made film screenings in our Village Community Cinema
Painting by Michelle Estall
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WHANAUNGATANGA IN THE ARTS COMMUNITY
At 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
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.
