The Hihiaua Cultural Centre in Whangārei is your gateway to celebrating Māori arts and cultural heritage. Set between two rivers, this vibrant hub offers exhibitions, workshops, and events that engage the community and revive cultural identity. You'll find spaces like the Whare Toi for arts and crafts and the outdoor verandah perfect for gatherings. Hosting over 40 public events annually, including unique workshops and special celebrations, the centre fosters cross-cultural connections. It's a place where you can explore Māori heritage and artistic expression. If you're curious, there's even more to discover about this cultural gem!
Major Highlights
- Hihiaua Cultural Centre promotes Māori arts and culture through exhibitions, workshops, and community events, fostering cultural engagement and learning.
- The centre features dedicated spaces like Whare Toi for Māori arts and Whare Waka for canoe restoration, enhancing creative expression.
- It hosts over 40 annual public events, including cultural workshops and celebrations, strengthening community bonds and promoting Māori identity.
- Educational programs at Hihiaua preserve traditional crafts, ensuring the transmission of Māori heritage to future generations.
- The centre acts as a hub for social transformation, providing a welcoming space for Māori and cross-cultural connections.
Location and Setting
The Hihiaua Cultural Centre is located at 56-58 Herekino Street in Whangārei, nestled between two rivers in the heart of Northland, New Zealand. This prime location enhances river accessibility, allowing for a seamless connection to the Waiarohia Stream, which feeds into Whangarei Harbour. You can easily reach the centre via the Hatea Loop, making it a convenient destination for both locals and visitors.
Transformed from an existing industrial boatshed known as "The Shed," the centre features a unique architectural design that blends traditional Māori elements with an industrial aesthetic.
The addition of the Whare Toi for Māori arts and crafts and the Whare Waka for canoe restoration promotes community integration, offering spaces for learning and collaboration. The expansive canopy walkway and raised deck encourage gatherings, while the open sides of the Whare Waka provide 24/7 viewing opportunities for those interested in the canoe restoration process.
Surrounded by green spaces and upcoming facilities like a stone carving workshop and café, the Hihiaua Cultural Centre stands as a vibrant hub that fosters creativity and cultural exchange within the community.
History and Vision
Established to revive Māori culture in Whangārei, Hihiaua Cultural Centre opened its doors in June 2019 after transforming an old boatshed. This initiative came from a deep commitment to restoring and reinstating Māori identity within the community.
Funded initially by Whangārei District Council, Foundation North, and the Provincial Growth Fund, the Centre quickly became a hub for cultural restoration, earning the prestigious John Scott Award for Public Architecture in 2020.
The vision behind Hihiaua Cultural Centre is clear: to preserve, create, display, and promote Māori arts and culture.
You'll find a welcoming space designed for Māori to stand proudly in their heritage while encouraging cross-cultural connections and community unity. It supports young and emerging artists, nurturing their potential and creativity.
Facilities and Spaces
At Hihiaua Cultural Centre, various facilities and spaces are designed to foster creativity and community engagement. You'll find a blend of artistic versatility and sustainable design, making each area unique and functional.
| Facility/Space | Description |
|---|---|
| Central Space | 130m² for exhibitions, events, and workshops with natural light and disabled access. |
| Upstairs Meeting Room | 50m² private room for 15-20 people, offering views of the river, perfect for meetings. |
| Verandah | 240m² outdoor area for 100 people, sheltered, with stunning river views and disabled access. |
| Tuia te Muka Tangata | Multi-functional space for greetings, displays, and performances with configurable setups. |
| Manaaki Building | Features kitchen and café facilities, supporting events with sustainable food options. |
These spaces not only support various events but also encourage a creative wairua, promoting collaboration among artists and the community. The extensive use of timber and solar panels showcases a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the Hihiaua Cultural Centre remains a vibrant hub for cultural expression and heritage.
Events and Activities
Hihiaua Cultural Centre's vibrant calendar of events and activities invites you to engage with the community while exploring diverse artistic expressions.
You'll find an array of workshop highlights, from the energetic Gospel Singing Workshop led by Lee Morunga to the creative Printmaking Workshop with Numa MacKenzie. If storytelling fascinates you, don't miss Wiremu Sarich's session, which intertwines string games with tales of Māui.
The centre's commitment to community engagement shines through initiatives like the Soil of Cultures Programme, designed to reconnect Asian migrant communities with their heritage through food and art.
Special events, such as the month-long Puanga ki Hihiaua celebrations, celebrate resilience and strength, while the Printapalooza fundraising event brings art lovers together for a cause.
You can also join Tohunga Talks during Matariki, where cultural identity and mental health are explored through activities like quilt-making.
With over 40 public events hosted last year, there's always something happening at Hihiaua. Whether you're attending an exhibition or participating in a workshop, you'll be part of a vibrant community that celebrates Māori arts and cultural heritage.
Cultural Significance
The vibrant events and activities at Hihiaua Cultural Centre reflect its deeper cultural significance, serving as a beacon for Māori identity and heritage. You'll find that the centre plays a crucial role in cultural reclamation and identity preservation, empowering the local iwi of Whangarei and Northland. It's a space where you can engage with your heritage, fostering a sense of belonging within a unified community.
Here's a snapshot of Hihiaua's cultural impact:
| Cultural Aspects | Significance |
|---|---|
| Mahi Toi (Māori Arts) | Reclaims and renews Māori cultural identity. |
| Whakapapa Exploration | Strengthens connections to genealogy and heritage. |
| Educational Programs | Preserves traditional crafts for future generations. |
Hihiaua serves as a hub for young people, offering pathways grounded in tikanga. You'll witness social and cultural transformation through various gatherings like hui and wananga. The centre not only preserves but also promotes Māori arts, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.
Future Development
Exciting changes are underway at the Hihiaua Cultural Centre as it embarks on an ambitious expansion plan. The first phase focuses on renovating the former A'Fare venue, set to open mid-2024, creating affordable spaces for community groups.
This is just the beginning; detailed design work is already in progress for a new two-storey building that will feature exhibition space, a conference centre, and a 470 sq m indoor performance area that opens to a landscaped outdoor amphitheatre.
These enhancements will significantly increase the centre's expansion impact, making it a vital hub for creativity and entrepreneurship. A new stone carving workshop and a café/restaurant will enrich visitor experiences and foster community engagement.
The Manaaki Building will offer front-of-house cooking and dining facilities, ensuring everyone feels welcome.
The centre's role in hosting events, workshops, and exhibitions will continue to grow, supporting local and national initiatives. With the outdoor amphitheatre designed for music festivals and significant gatherings, you'll witness cultural events that celebrate and promote Māori arts and heritage like never before.
The future development of Hihiaua promises to deepen connections and create lasting memories for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Book a Space at the Hihiaua Cultural Centre?
To book a space, you'll need to follow the booking procedures by emailing info@hihiaua.org.nz or calling 022 4381943. Check the event availability during contact hours for your desired dates.
Are There Guided Tours Available for Visitors?
There aren't explicit guided tour options, but you'll find engaging visitor experiences through interactive workshops and wananga. You can connect with creatives and explore local artworks while immersing yourself in the culture.
What Are the Opening Hours of the Cultural Centre?
Imagine a door that opens wider at different times—those are the cultural centre's opening hours. From Monday to Thursday, explore art and events; weekends invite you to discover unique cultural events before winter's rest.
Is There an Admission Fee for Events?
Event pricing varies, so check specific events for fees. Some may be free or low-cost, promoting cultural accessibility. Always confirm details before attending to ensure you're prepared for any registration or ticket requirements.
Can I Volunteer at the Hihiaua Cultural Centre?
Yes, you can volunteer! There are various volunteer opportunities available, including assisting with cultural workshops and events. Engaging in these activities allows you to contribute meaningfully while connecting with the community and its rich heritage.
Conclusion
As you explore the Hihiaua Cultural Centre, you'll find it's not just a place; it's a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of Māori heritage and creativity. Each event and artwork reflects the heartbeat of a rich culture, inviting you to connect and celebrate. With ongoing development on the horizon, this centre promises to shine even brighter, ensuring that the spirit of Māori arts continues to flourish for generations to come. Don't miss out on this journey!
