In an exciting first for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, a free showcase named Toi Tū is set to celebrate the organisation's creative and performing arts.

Hosted at the Māngere Arts Centre, the inaugural presentation aims to demonstrate the quality of toi programmes on offer at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
  
Production director and kaiako William Davis says the three-day initiative, which starts today, is the first of its kind combining the disciplines within Te Whare Toi o Māngere; whakairo, raranga, waiata, kapa haka and Māori theatre.
 
"With all being involved in one artistic project of excellence, it's an opportunity to stage to the local and wider community of Tāmaki Makaurau the innovative, dynamic and amazing programmes we deliver," William says.
 
"This is the first time we’ve had a combined Te Whare Toi event and I think it’s going to be a festival of celebration, that’s what it feels like, it's definitely kotahitanga. 

Each day will be dedicated to a specific performance discipline within the Kāwai Raupapa and Certificate of Māori Performing Arts (CMPA) programmes offered and feature workshops and guest speakers, culminating in evening concerts to be staged in the auditorium.

Toi Tū will also include raranga and whakairo exhibitions and demonstrations in the arts centre foyer and courtyard.

"The kaupapa solidifies the importance of the visual arts being the foundational programmes from which the Wānanga grew, because of whakairo and raranga and the building of Otāwhao Marae," William says.

"I also want to acknowledge Shanan Halbert and Tanya Turuwhenua, for strengthening and broadening the relationship we have with Auckland City Council and in particular Māngere Arts Centre.”  

“It's because of this kind of support, we have been able to engage in community projects and industry opportunities. It’s been an exciting year I have to say."