Announcing Auahatanga ki te Kāinga
We’re excited to announce a new project that aims to bring creativity, connection and wellbeing to families living in social housing across Hamilton. Auahatanga ki te Kāinga is a community-driven initiative led by Creative Waikato, in partnership with Community Waikato, that works to provide communities living in Glenview, Melville, Fairfield and Enderley areas, including whānau in Kāinga Ora social housing, with inspiring creative experiences.
Funded by WEL Energy Trust’s Vital Impact Grant Fund, this six-month project will kick off on January 21st 2025, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have. The project’s goals are simple yet powerful: to create an environment where creativity thrives and works to foster social connection, helps build skills, boosts wellbeing and empowers individuals and communities alike.
By using the power of creativity and culture, this project aim’s to help boost wellbeing, create meaningful connections, and help participants build confidence and learn new skills. Through weekly creative activities, community days and two public exhibitions – one for International Art Day in April 2025 and another for Matariki Weekend in June 2025 – we’re offering a platform for whānau, tamariki and rangatahi to come together, express themselves and explore their creative potential.
“We can see that Auahatanga ki te Kāinga will help build confidence and community togetherness because we are building upon similar work that has already achieved those outcomes,” says Jeremy Mayall, CEO of Creative Waikato.
“We know from experience how art can bring people together – it’s something we’ve seen time and time again in Waikato communities. And we believe that everyone, no matter their background, should have access to creativity every day.”
If you’ve followed our previous projects, you’ll know that this new initiative builds on the success of Whiria te Tāngata, a pilot programme funded by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. In that project, we offered artist residencies that allowed artists to immerse themselves in local communities, helping to drive transformative creative activity. We’re thrilled to carry that momentum forward with Auahatanga ki te Kāinga.
Similarly, this project also features two talented professional artists who will lead the weekly creative sessions. Their guidance and expertise will ensure participants can fully explore their artistic potential. Additionally, Leafa Wilson, Creative Waikato’s Project Lead, who has already guided the success of the Whiria te Tāngata programme, will oversee this initiative. Leafa’s experience and leadership will ensure a positive and enriching experience for everyone involved.
This project has wings sprouted from WEL Energy Trust’s generous funding is a powerful endorsement of the idea that creativity can spark positive change. According to Marcel Manders, CEO of WEL Energy Trust:
“The WEL Energy Trust is delighted to provide funding support for the Creative Waikato Auahatanga ki te Kāinga project. This aligns perfectly with our three pillars—Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Working Collaboratively, and Equity & Equality – and provides another pathway for a thriving, connected and equitable Waikato.”
David Cowley, the Grants Manager at WEL Energy Trust, also pointed out that by removing financial barriers, this project will ensure that these opportunities are accessible to social housing communities, further strengthening the social fabric of Hamilton. The goal is to empower whānau to not only explore their creative talents but also to feel more connected to one another and to the broader community.
Mark Rawson, the Waikato Regional Director at Kāinga Ora, also sees the collaborative nature of the project as a shining example of how working together can create lasting positive change:
“Auahatanga ki te Kāinga will not only be an incredibly positive experience for the rangatahi and whānau participating in the weekly programme, but will also build greater social cohesion across the neighbourhoods it takes place in. Initiatives like this have a far-reaching impact, creating connections that can have lasting effects long after the project has finished.”
As we look forward to the journey ahead, we’re reminded that art and creativity are not just about making beautiful things. They’re tools for transformation. They have the power to heal, to bring people together, and to fill homes with hope and possibility, even in the toughest times. By investing in creative activities, we’re creating new opportunities for growth, wellbeing, and social cohesion in our communities.
We encourage you to keep an eye out for the two public exhibitions, where we’ll celebrate the incredible stories and creative works that come out of this project. The first exhibition will take place on International Art Day in April 2025, followed by another during Matariki Weekend in June 2025. These exhibitions will tell the story of the experiences and strengths of the people in these communities—stories you won’t want to miss.
We’re proud to be part of a project that highlights the power of collaboration and creativity, and we’re excited to see the ripple effects it will create across Hamilton. Here’s to a future filled with creativity, connection and resilience for whānau.