Matariki Festival in Auckland

Toi Whenua is a partnership between four of the Auckland region’s four territorial local authorities:
Auckland, Manukau, North Shore and Waitakere cities, and Arts Regional Trust (ART) ART trust to develop arts infrastructure across the Auckland region.

Toi Whenua aims to bring together the different sectors within the Maori arts community in the Auckland region under the korowai of art/toi. The aim of Toi Whenua is to provide a vehicle to:
- Strengthen the connections of Nga Toi Maori with Mana Whenua toward building an infrastructure for Maori arts to thrive in the region
- Identify and resource a project or projects that enhance the development of a sustainable infrastructure for Maori arts communities and artists in the Auckland region

Toi Whenua Committee Members

Gail Richards – Ngati Kahu ki Whaingaroa, Ngapuhi
Chair of Toi Whenua Auckland City Council, Manager, Arts Services,
Gail has worked as an arts officer/manager in local government for the last eleven years. Prior to joining council she managed and produced various productions and companies including Te Kanikani o te Rangatahi, Taiao Dance Theatre, Nga Moemoea a te Rangatahi, Nga Pou Wahine, Waitapu. Gail produced/promoted the Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre (Aus) and Garth Bucket Dance Company (New York) for the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts and also worked with Limbs Dance Company, Douglas Wright and Shona McCullagh.

Eynon Delamere – Te Whanau A Apanui, Ngai Tahu, Whakatohea and Te Arawa
Currently the Manager Maori issues at Auckland City Council. Past projects of involvement include the launch of Maori Television, four Matariki festivals, Pacific Arts festivals, Belau, 2004 and Pago Pago 2008. As an artist in taonga puoro Eynon has performed a various international festivals.

Lisa Tocker - North Shore City Council, Manager, Community Liaison
Manages a broad community base portfolio and has been a member of Toi Whenua since its inception. Lisa has a strong
background of commitment to Maori arts in the Auckland Region. Toi Whenua is notable recognised by the North Shore City Council as one of the key arts group in the Auckland region. Toi Whenua has been included in the councils long term community council plan.

Leisa Siteine - Samoan, English
Manukau Arts Manager, Manukau City Council
Leisa has a long association with the Manukau City Council, where she has gained extensive experience in both community service delivery and Leisure centre management. Within the last seven years Leisa has played a pivotal role in shaping the Manukau City Council Arts Unit and strategic direction. Leisa is currently Manager of Arts for Manukau City Council

Naomi McCleary – Arts Manager Waitakere City Council
Responsibilities include the delivery of the entire arts program in the Waitakere City Council. Events include Going West Books Writers Festival, Schools Trash to Fashion, Christmas Giftmaking and the Waitakere Pacifica Living Arts Festival.

Candy Elsmore – Arts Regional Trust (ART) Project director
ART has been involved with the inception of Toi Whenua. ART is an arts and creative industries development agency, creating and investing in programmes that develop capability and capacity in Auckland’s creative sector. To date, ART has invested in a number of significant projects in partnership with other organisations such as the city councils of the Auckland region, universities and government agencies

Toi Whenua Projects To Date:

- Matariki Festival 2004 - 2010
- Regional Artist Hui 2006

Contact: Gail Richards – Chair Toi Whenua