the kaupapa;


This was a quiet project curated over the summer and it is genuinely exciting that folks are able to hold this tāonga in their hands and admire the absolute totality of all the incredible creatives that grace these pages. Wāhine Toi is not solely a celebration of women, it is a celebration of the diversity in Te Matau-a-Māui creative community and the vibrancy of these pages reflects how alive and colourful the arts are here. 



When you are an artist, you will notice how exclusive these spaces can be and how homogenous they are. Creative spaces often centre whiteness and it’s very loud in this community. However, all voices and lived experiences create community and everyone needs a seat at the table. This kaupapa is absolutely a response to that exclusivity.


This tāonga is a collaboration by mana wāhine;

Editing and words by Rosheen FitzGerald

Layout and design by Alexandra Dawson


Available to purchase at Ākina Gallery in Heretaunga and Creative Arts Napier in Ahuriri

Amongst the pages of this tāonga, you will discover wāhine from as far as Waipawa, to Māhia and everywhere in between - this creates a true representation of Te Matau-a-Māui. Woven in between the words are recurring themes of passion and strength that come together to create.


curator;


Ko Putaanga Waitoa tōku ingoa, Nō te whenua o Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, me Ngāti Porou hoki. 

I’ve been described as fierce, political, and intimidating but I’d just say I am a hōhā.



Photography, film and creativity come second nature to me. I am self-taught and have had a camera in my hands for as long as I can remember. When I was a child I’d burn through disposal cameras like no one's business, to the point my mom gave up on developing my film.


featuring;


abbey merson alexandra dawson ashley mertens cherie meerlo • cherry boomb claire sadler eve kireka hannah bancroft holly morgan jade hodgson kay bazzard kezia whakamoe kristyl neho margot pierard morag shaw nephi tupaea niwa brightwell parehuia jeana shepherd purewa macgregor rachel burt rae west raewyn patterson renee wanikau rosheen fitzgerald sam carter sandi hickey scarlett eden sophie watkins tarisse king tori-analee houkamau