Latest news with #TātakiAucklandUnlimited


Scoop
28-07-2025
- Scoop
Momentum builds for Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau
More Māori Tourism experiences on board Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau is fast becoming a go-to guide for discovering Māori tourism experiences in Auckland, with ten new offerings added as the collection continues to grow. Showcasing the depth and diversity of Māori culture across the region, the online platform launched by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), connects visitors with authentic experiences that reflect the values of manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga – from cultural tours and art to food, performance and maritime journeys. Helen Te Hira, Director of Māori Outcomes at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says the platform plays a vital role in ensuring Māori culture, businesses and leadership are central to the way Tāmaki Makaurau is experienced by visitors. 'Every business on this platform brings something unique – a sense of purpose, cultural depth and creative excellence. By continuing to curate and centre tangata whenua businesses on this site, we ensure that our communities and visitors to the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland region can experience something locally connected and meaningful.' Among the new additions is Glorious Tours, co-founded by Ama Mosese, whose team leads visitors to Auckland Museum for the haka show amongst other attractions, as well as hosting Mana – spirit of the Pacific, an immersive dinner and dance show in Māngere. Ama says that as tourists travel a long way to get to New Zealand, they want to experience something different that they haven't done before when they get here. 'Most of our tourists have been all over the world to so many big cities. They want to learn something new, connect with different people and cultures. It's a privilege to share our Māori and Polynesian culture with visitors,' Ama says. 'They are so positive and excited about it. To feel that our culture is appreciated, that's incredibly uplifting.' Other new treasures include Unity Collection, a contemporary art gallery in Matakana Village, Timmy Smith, a creative studio on Waiheke Island, and Wolfgramm Holdings, that offers full-day cultural immersions on a traditional marae. 'Being included in Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau isn't just a marketing opportunity, it's a recognition of our role as kaitiaki,' says Breviss Wolfgramm, founder of Wolfgramm Holdings. 'We are proud to welcome visitors into spaces where culture isn't just performed, but lived and shared.' All featured businesses are reviewed through a collaborative process that includes representatives from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, NZ Māori Tourism, Whāriki Māori Business Network and Auckland Council. The new additions include nine Māori owned businesses and one place of cultural connection, bringing the total number of featured experiences to 28, with intentions to grow further. New Māori businesses: Timmy Smith – This charming studio on Waiheke Island offers bespoke jewellery and captivating pieces of art, each infused with story, intention and cultural meaning. Pause for Tea – Also owned by Timmy Smith, offering personalised tea experiences including tea tasting and blending. Their organic sparkling teas are making a name for themselves in North America and beyond. Unity Collection – Discover taonga curated with aroha at this contemporary Māori gallery in Matakana Village, showcasing high-quality design, fashion and art. Glorious Tours – Experience Auckland through local eyes with Māori-led journeys and dining events that celebrate culture, land and community with storytelling, warmth and deep cultural connection. Oystar Creative – A full service, boutique and creative event production company and entertainment agency that deliver powerful and emotive experiences, including Māori cultural experiences and performances from pōwhiri to entertainment. Kiko Tours – Guided tours offering intimate, bicultural journeys through Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover te ao Māori through storytelling, kai and kōrero, while exploring some of the region's most beautiful natural landscapes. Te Manu Taupua – Powerful cultural experiences led by direct descendants of Auckland's founding chief. Walk ancestral lands, hear sacred stories and witness Māori resilience from survivalism to thrivalism. Cruise New Zealand – Private luxury yacht charters from Auckland's Viaduct Harbour. Explore the Hauraki Gulf in style with personalised service, stunning views and unforgettable on-water experiences. Wolfgramm Holdings –Experience an immersive day at a traditional marae, guided by proud cultural hosts. Includes powhiri, haka, weaving, poi making and kai. New place of cultural connection: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki – Ngā Taonga Tūturu: Treasured Māori Portraits – An exhibition of Māori portraits by Gottfried Lindauer, displayed alongside whakairo carvings and historic works. A powerful tribute to tūpuna, identity and the enduring legacy of Māori culture. Delivered by TAU on behalf of Auckland Council, Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau enriches the region's cultural and visitor economy with experiences that reflect te ao Māori. To view the full collection or register your experience, visit


Scoop
28-07-2025
- Scoop
Momentum builds for Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau
Press Release – Tataki Auckland Unlimited More Māori Tourism experiences on board Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau is fast becoming a go-to guide for discovering Māori tourism experiences in Auckland, with ten new offerings added as the collection continues to grow. Showcasing the depth and diversity of Māori culture across the region, the online platform launched by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), connects visitors with authentic experiences that reflect the values of manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga – from cultural tours and art to food, performance and maritime journeys. Helen Te Hira, Director of Māori Outcomes at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says the platform plays a vital role in ensuring Māori culture, businesses and leadership are central to the way Tāmaki Makaurau is experienced by visitors. 'Every business on this platform brings something unique – a sense of purpose, cultural depth and creative excellence. By continuing to curate and centre tangata whenua businesses on this site, we ensure that our communities and visitors to the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland region can experience something locally connected and meaningful.' Among the new additions is Glorious Tours, co-founded by Ama Mosese, whose team leads visitors to Auckland Museum for the haka show amongst other attractions, as well as hosting Mana – spirit of the Pacific, an immersive dinner and dance show in Māngere. Ama says that as tourists travel a long way to get to New Zealand, they want to experience something different that they haven't done before when they get here. 'Most of our tourists have been all over the world to so many big cities. They want to learn something new, connect with different people and cultures. It's a privilege to share our Māori and Polynesian culture with visitors,' Ama says. 'They are so positive and excited about it. To feel that our culture is appreciated, that's incredibly uplifting.' Other new treasures include Unity Collection, a contemporary art gallery in Matakana Village, Timmy Smith, a creative studio on Waiheke Island, and Wolfgramm Holdings, that offers full-day cultural immersions on a traditional marae. 'Being included in Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau isn't just a marketing opportunity, it's a recognition of our role as kaitiaki,' says Breviss Wolfgramm, founder of Wolfgramm Holdings. 'We are proud to welcome visitors into spaces where culture isn't just performed, but lived and shared.' All featured businesses are reviewed through a collaborative process that includes representatives from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, NZ Māori Tourism, Whāriki Māori Business Network and Auckland Council. The new additions include nine Māori owned businesses and one place of cultural connection, bringing the total number of featured experiences to 28, with intentions to grow further. New Māori businesses: Timmy Smith – This charming studio on Waiheke Island offers bespoke jewellery and captivating pieces of art, each infused with story, intention and cultural meaning. Pause for Tea – Also owned by Timmy Smith, offering personalised tea experiences including tea tasting and blending. Their organic sparkling teas are making a name for themselves in North America and beyond. Unity Collection – Discover taonga curated with aroha at this contemporary Māori gallery in Matakana Village, showcasing high-quality design, fashion and art. Glorious Tours – Experience Auckland through local eyes with Māori-led journeys and dining events that celebrate culture, land and community with storytelling, warmth and deep cultural connection. Oystar Creative – A full service, boutique and creative event production company and entertainment agency that deliver powerful and emotive experiences, including Māori cultural experiences and performances from pōwhiri to entertainment. Kiko Tours – Guided tours offering intimate, bicultural journeys through Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover te ao Māori through storytelling, kai and kōrero, while exploring some of the region's most beautiful natural landscapes. Te Manu Taupua – Powerful cultural experiences led by direct descendants of Auckland's founding chief. Walk ancestral lands, hear sacred stories and witness Māori resilience from survivalism to thrivalism. Cruise New Zealand – Private luxury yacht charters from Auckland's Viaduct Harbour. Explore the Hauraki Gulf in style with personalised service, stunning views and unforgettable on-water experiences. Wolfgramm Holdings –Experience an immersive day at a traditional marae, guided by proud cultural hosts. Includes powhiri, haka, weaving, poi making and kai. New place of cultural connection: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki – Ngā Taonga Tūturu: Treasured Māori Portraits – An exhibition of Māori portraits by Gottfried Lindauer, displayed alongside whakairo carvings and historic works. A powerful tribute to tūpuna, identity and the enduring legacy of Māori culture. Delivered by TAU on behalf of Auckland Council, Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau enriches the region's cultural and visitor economy with experiences that reflect te ao Māori. To view the full collection or register your experience, visit


Scoop
28-07-2025
- Scoop
Momentum builds for Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau
Press Release – Tataki Auckland Unlimited The platform plays a vital role in ensuring Mori culture, businesses and leadership are central to the way Tmaki Makaurau is experienced by visitors. More Māori Tourism experiences on board Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau is fast becoming a go-to guide for discovering Māori tourism experiences in Auckland, with ten new offerings added as the collection continues to grow. Showcasing the depth and diversity of Māori culture across the region, the online platform launched by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), connects visitors with authentic experiences that reflect the values of manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga – from cultural tours and art to food, performance and maritime journeys. Helen Te Hira, Director of Māori Outcomes at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says the platform plays a vital role in ensuring Māori culture, businesses and leadership are central to the way Tāmaki Makaurau is experienced by visitors. 'Every business on this platform brings something unique – a sense of purpose, cultural depth and creative excellence. By continuing to curate and centre tangata whenua businesses on this site, we ensure that our communities and visitors to the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland region can experience something locally connected and meaningful.' Among the new additions is Glorious Tours, co-founded by Ama Mosese, whose team leads visitors to Auckland Museum for the haka show amongst other attractions, as well as hosting Mana – spirit of the Pacific, an immersive dinner and dance show in Māngere. Ama says that as tourists travel a long way to get to New Zealand, they want to experience something different that they haven't done before when they get here. 'Most of our tourists have been all over the world to so many big cities. They want to learn something new, connect with different people and cultures. It's a privilege to share our Māori and Polynesian culture with visitors,' Ama says. 'They are so positive and excited about it. To feel that our culture is appreciated, that's incredibly uplifting.' Other new treasures include Unity Collection, a contemporary art gallery in Matakana Village, Timmy Smith, a creative studio on Waiheke Island, and Wolfgramm Holdings, that offers full-day cultural immersions on a traditional marae. 'Being included in Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau isn't just a marketing opportunity, it's a recognition of our role as kaitiaki,' says Breviss Wolfgramm, founder of Wolfgramm Holdings. 'We are proud to welcome visitors into spaces where culture isn't just performed, but lived and shared.' All featured businesses are reviewed through a collaborative process that includes representatives from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, NZ Māori Tourism, Whāriki Māori Business Network and Auckland Council. The new additions include nine Māori owned businesses and one place of cultural connection, bringing the total number of featured experiences to 28, with intentions to grow further. New Māori businesses: Timmy Smith – This charming studio on Waiheke Island offers bespoke jewellery and captivating pieces of art, each infused with story, intention and cultural meaning. Pause for Tea – Also owned by Timmy Smith, offering personalised tea experiences including tea tasting and blending. Their organic sparkling teas are making a name for themselves in North America and beyond. Unity Collection – Discover taonga curated with aroha at this contemporary Māori gallery in Matakana Village, showcasing high-quality design, fashion and art. Glorious Tours – Experience Auckland through local eyes with Māori-led journeys and dining events that celebrate culture, land and community with storytelling, warmth and deep cultural connection. Oystar Creative – A full service, boutique and creative event production company and entertainment agency that deliver powerful and emotive experiences, including Māori cultural experiences and performances from pōwhiri to entertainment. Kiko Tours – Guided tours offering intimate, bicultural journeys through Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover te ao Māori through storytelling, kai and kōrero, while exploring some of the region's most beautiful natural landscapes. Te Manu Taupua – Powerful cultural experiences led by direct descendants of Auckland's founding chief. Walk ancestral lands, hear sacred stories and witness Māori resilience from survivalism to thrivalism. Cruise New Zealand – Private luxury yacht charters from Auckland's Viaduct Harbour. Explore the Hauraki Gulf in style with personalised service, stunning views and unforgettable on-water experiences. Wolfgramm Holdings –Experience an immersive day at a traditional marae, guided by proud cultural hosts. Includes powhiri, haka, weaving, poi making and kai. New place of cultural connection: Delivered by TAU on behalf of Auckland Council, Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau enriches the region's cultural and visitor economy with experiences that reflect te ao Māori. To view the full collection or register your experience, visit


Scoop
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Autaia Unveils Two Nights Of Rangatahi-Led Haka Theatre
Haka Theatre showcase, Autaia is back and this time, it's twice as exciting. For the first time, it will span two evenings giving more schools and kura than ever a chance to unleash their ihi, wehi and wana on stage. Returning to Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 August, Autaia 2025 will feature 12 schools and kura from Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Tai Tokerau and, for the first time, Waikato. Presented by Hawaiki TŪ and Auckland Live (a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited), this year's event embraces the theme 'He Hawaiki Hou – A Return, A Renewal, A Rising'. Founder and Artistic Director of Autaia, Kura Te Ua, says that it's humbling to see how Autaia is evolving and the impact it's having on rangatahi, their kura, and wider communities. 'This year we've found ways to keep the kaupapa growing. Our rangatahi deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Autaia creates space for them to stand confidently in their own light and unapologetically express who they are and who they are becoming,' says Te Ua. The new two-night format introduces new categories which will showcase high-impact performances. Each school will present an original haka theatre piece, conceptualised, choreographed and performed by the students. The three creative categories include: Haka Bracket: Haka infused with theatrical storytelling Haka Musical: Haka blended with song, drama, and characterisation Haka Movement: Storytelling through Haka Movement and choreography With NCEA credits, mentorship from industry professionals, and a platform to showcase their talents on stage and behind the scenes, Autaia celebrates identity, artistry and rangatahi leadership. 'As part of our extension plan, we're excited to welcome our first kura from Waikato to the Autaia stage. Their unique style and deep connection to their hapori bring fresh energy to the kaupapa, showing that haka theatre connects and empowers rangatahi far beyond Tāmaki Makaurau,' says Te Ua. 'Through bold creativity and the lived experiences of rangatahi, each Autaia performance becomes a powerful expression of te ahurea Māori and a reminder that He Hawaiki Hou is within our reach,' Te Ua adds. ' Autaia shows what's possible when we back our taiohi-rangatahi and the creative sector,' says Helen Te Hira, Director of Māori Outcomes at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. 'As the region's cultural agency, we're proud to support Autaia alongside senior Māori creatives as it grows into a bold, future-focused platform. Through Auckland Live, we help create spaces — on stage, behind the scenes, and beyond — where taiohi-rangatahi can thrive, lead, and shape the creative future of Aotearoa'. Tickets are now on pre-sale for Autaia 2025, promising to be an unmissable showcase of the next generation of storytellers redefining haka theatre. Schools and kura performing at Autaia 2025 are: Tāmaki Makaurau Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae Ngā Tūmanako o Kahurangi – Auckland Girls' Grammar Te Whānau o Tupuranga – Kia Aroha Campus Te Kura Kaupapa Māori a rohe o Māngere Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kōtuku Te Kura Tuarua o Pukekohekohe Massey High School Ngā Puna o Waiōrea Te Tai Tokerau Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rāwhitiroa Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe Te Rangi Āniwaniwa Waikato Ngā Taiātea Wharekura Autaia takes place at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, on Thursday 28 August & Friday 29 August 2025, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Tickets go on sale to the General Public on Thu 17 July, 9am from: Note: Auckland Live is the premiere organisation for performing arts, culture, entertainment and events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. As Aotearoa New Zealand's largest performing arts organisation, we proudly present a programme of live arts and entertainment across our iconic venues: Aotea Centre, The Civic, Auckland Town Hall, The Cloud, Shed 10, Viaduct Events Centre, Bruce Mason Centre, and Aotea Square. Auckland Live is part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, a council-controlled organisation. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) is Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's cultural, events and destination agency. It is an Auckland Council-controlled organisation that works to make Auckland a vibrant place to live and visit, through events, experiences and taonga (treasures).


Scoop
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Autaia Unveils Two Nights Of Rangatahi-Led Haka Theatre
Haka Theatre showcase, Autaia is back and this time, it's twice as exciting. For the first time, it will span two evenings giving more schools and kura than ever a chance to unleash their ihi, wehi and wana on stage. Returning to Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 August, Autaia 2025 will feature 12 schools and kura from Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Tai Tokerau and, for the first time, Waikato. Presented by Hawaiki TŪ and Auckland Live (a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited), this year's event embraces the theme 'He Hawaiki Hou - A Return, A Renewal, A Rising'. Founder and Artistic Director of Autaia, Kura Te Ua, says that it's humbling to see how Autaia is evolving and the impact it's having on rangatahi, their kura, and wider communities. 'This year we've found ways to keep the kaupapa growing. Our rangatahi deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Autaia creates space for them to stand confidently in their own light and unapologetically express who they are and who they are becoming,' says Te Ua. The new two-night format introduces new categories which will showcase high-impact performances. Each school will present an original haka theatre piece, conceptualised, choreographed and performed by the students. The three creative categories include: Haka Bracket: Haka infused with theatrical storytelling Haka Musical: Haka blended with song, drama, and characterisation Haka Movement: Storytelling through Haka Movement and choreography With NCEA credits, mentorship from industry professionals, and a platform to showcase their talents on stage and behind the scenes, Autaia celebrates identity, artistry and rangatahi leadership. 'As part of our extension plan, we're excited to welcome our first kura from Waikato to the Autaia stage. Their unique style and deep connection to their hapori bring fresh energy to the kaupapa, showing that haka theatre connects and empowers rangatahi far beyond Tāmaki Makaurau,' says Te Ua. 'Through bold creativity and the lived experiences of rangatahi, each Autaia performance becomes a powerful expression of te ahurea Māori and a reminder that He Hawaiki Hou is within our reach,' Te Ua adds. ' Autaia shows what's possible when we back our taiohi-rangatahi and the creative sector,' says Helen Te Hira, Director of Māori Outcomes at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. 'As the region's cultural agency, we're proud to support Autaia alongside senior Māori creatives as it grows into a bold, future-focused platform. Through Auckland Live, we help create spaces — on stage, behind the scenes, and beyond — where taiohi-rangatahi can thrive, lead, and shape the creative future of Aotearoa'. Tickets are now on pre-sale for Autaia 2025, promising to be an unmissable showcase of the next generation of storytellers redefining haka theatre. Schools and kura performing at Autaia 2025 are: Tāmaki Makaurau Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae Ngā Tūmanako o Kahurangi - Auckland Girls' Grammar Te Whānau o Tupuranga - Kia Aroha Campus Te Kura Kaupapa Māori a rohe o Māngere Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kōtuku Te Kura Tuarua o Pukekohekohe Massey High School Ngā Puna o Waiōrea Te Tai Tokerau Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rāwhitiroa Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe Te Rangi Āniwaniwa Waikato Ngā Taiātea Wharekura Autaia takes place at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, on Thursday 28 August & Friday 29 August 2025, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Tickets go on sale to the General Public on Thu 17 July, 9am from: Note: Auckland Live is the premiere organisation for performing arts, culture, entertainment and events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. As Aotearoa New Zealand's largest performing arts organisation, we proudly present a programme of live arts and entertainment across our iconic venues: Aotea Centre, The Civic, Auckland Town Hall, The Cloud, Shed 10, Viaduct Events Centre, Bruce Mason Centre, and Aotea Square. Auckland Live is part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, a council-controlled organisation. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) is Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's cultural, events and destination agency. It is an Auckland Council-controlled organisation that works to make Auckland a vibrant place to live and visit, through events, experiences and taonga (treasures).