About Us
We are here for you and our community
Ngā Toi Creative Hawke's Bay is the leading force behind the growth and sustainability of the creative sector in Te Matau-a-Māui,Hawke’s Bay.
Who We Are
As advocates, enablers, and connectors, we are deeply committed to strengthening and supporting the arts, culture, and creativity in our region. For almost three decades, we’ve played a pivotal leadership role in empowering individuals and communities to express themselves, innovate, and thrive through the arts.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is clear: to sustain, uplift, and nurture the arts and creative sector of Hawke’s Bay. Sustain means not only preserving but also strengthening and supporting creativity in all its forms—helping it to grow and flourish. We enable creativity by creating the opportunities, training, and networks that empower artists to develop their skills, sustain their practices, and have a lasting impact on their communities.
We are here to create pathways for people of all ages to engage with and contribute to the arts—whether through education, professional development, collaboration or creative expression. We believe in the power of the arts to transform lives and build stronger, more connected communities. By supporting the creative sector and its people, we help drive innovation and foster a culture where the arts are valued, respected, and accessible to all.
What We Do
As the central hub for creativity in the region, Ngā Toi Creative Hawke’s Bay brings together artists, cultural organisations, local agencies, and communities to collaborate, share, and grow. We are the navigators and discoverers, ensuring that all art forms—whether visual, performing, or other creative expressions—are connected, supported, and represented.
We pioneered key initiatives such as Pecha Kucha Hawke’s Bay, the Hawke’s Bay Art Guide and, in collaboration with Hawke’s Bay Tourism and Ngati Kahungunu Iwi, we established the Te-Matau-A-Māui platform. We champion place-based storytelling and continue to seek out partnerships which continue to showcase the wealth of local talent and foster creative dialogue. But our impact goes beyond projects; it’s about creating an ecosystem where creatives have the space, support, and opportunities to thrive. We enable people to express themselves, generate innovation, and sustain their practice.
Through our work, we also actively create training, education, and learning opportunities within the arts sector, giving people of all ages a chance to develop and grow. Whether it’s offering mentoring, providing new creative community hubs, or supporting local initiatives, our focus is on building a sustainable creative future for everyone.
Kay Bazzard
Photo: Florence Charvin
Our Values
The work we do is guided by a commitment to the following values:
- Connection (Building strong, supportive relationships)
- Credibility (Acting with honesty and integrity)
- Innovation & Creativity (Fostering fresh ideas and new possibilities)
- Integrity (Doing what’s right, not just what’s easy)
- Leadership (Empowering others to lead and grow)
- Continuous Learning (Embracing growth, education, and development)
These values are woven into everything we do. We are here to advocate, support, and nurture the creative community ensuring that voices, ideas, and practices from all backgrounds are uplifted and heard.
Our Impact
For almost three decades, Ngā Toi Creative Hawke’s Bay has been at the heart of a growing creative movement:
- Sustaining and nurturing the creative sector through strong advocacy and community support.
- Enabling artists to express themselves freely and develop their skills while generating innovation across all art forms.
- Creating opportunities for training, education, and employment in the arts for people of all ages, ensuring that creativity is accessible to everyone.
- Connecting and representing a diverse range of creative practices, ensuring that no art form goes unnoticed, and every creative voice is valued.
- Fostering collaboration among artists, communities, and organisations to create a vibrant, sustainable arts ecosystem.
Our role as creatives, navigators and discoverers is vital in driving transformational change. We are focused on the future ensuring that the arts are not only sustained but continue to evolve, grow, and enrich the lives of everyone in our region.
Freeman White
Future Vision
Looking ahead, we are committed to building a future where the arts are deeply embedded in every aspect of life in Hawke’s Bay. We want to create a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable creative sector that provides ongoing opportunities for growth, expression, and impact. Our vision is one where the arts remain a powerful force for community connection, innovation, and cultural enrichment for generations to come.
