Creative Bay of Plenty - Te Waka Auaha Toi

Creative Bay of Plenty - Te Waka Auaha Toi We are the umbrella organisation for arts, culture and creativity in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

Creative Bay of Plenty is the arts and culture umbrella organisation for Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Since our founding in 1969 as the Tauranga Arts Council, we've supported the growth of arts, culture, and creativity, recognising their vital role in community vibrancy, wellbeing, and economic prosperity. We connect creatives, build capability, advocate for the sector, and promote cultural activities. Collaborating with local government, schools, iwi, non-profits, funders, and the private sector, we strive to foster a diverse and vibrant creative community that enhances quality of life. On a national level, we’re proud leadership members of RANA: Regional Arts Network Aotearoa, working to advance sustainable arts and culture initiatives and advocating for creative wellbeing across New Zealand. Our name, Te Waka Auaha Toi, gifted by tangata whenua, symbolises a vehicle that carries aspirations forward within the creative sector. Our vision is to see a thriving, fully resourced creative sector that strengthens community connection and wellbeing through cultural expression. Join us in celebrating and championing the power of creativity in Tauranga Moana and beyond! 🌟

Creativity shapes the places we call home.It lives in our streets and public spaces, telling stories, reflecting who we ...
12/10/2026

Creativity shapes the places we call home.

It lives in our streets and public spaces, telling stories, reflecting who we are and giving us new ways to see the places we pass through every day.

Works like Hope McConnell's Elizabeth Street mural are a reminder that creativity belongs out in our communities, where everyone can experience it.

Across Tauranga and the Western Bay, art adds character to our places, creates connection and helps tell the stories of our people and our region.

Creativity belongs here.

This election, choose connection, culture & community.

We can help you make funding applications. Have a great idea but unsure how to shape the application?We can help you ref...
09/10/2026

We can help you make funding applications. Have a great idea but unsure how to shape the application?

We can help you refine your narrative, align with criteria, and strengthen your submission.

Sometimes a second pair of eyes makes all the difference. Contact [email protected] so we can help you with your funding application

Making the arts more accessible.⁠⁠As part of Tauranga Art Festival, blind and low vision audiences will have the opportu...
09/10/2026

Making the arts more accessible.⁠
⁠
As part of Tauranga Art Festival, blind and low vision audiences will have the opportunity to experience a Touch Tour before Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking at Baycourt on 30 October.⁠
⁠
The Touch Tour gives audiences the chance to explore the set, costumes and sensory elements of the performance before the show, helping them build a picture of what they’re about to experience.⁠
⁠
The tour will then be followed by an audio-described performance, with live description provided through an earpiece by audio describer Nicola Kāwana.⁠
⁠
🕕 Touch Tour: 6–6.30pm⁠
🎭 Performance: 7.30pm⁠
📍 Baycourt Community & Arts Centre

Kapu & Kōrero invites all emerging and established artists from around the Bay of Plenty to an informal gathering over a...
06/10/2026

Kapu & Kōrero invites all emerging and established artists from around the Bay of Plenty to an informal gathering over a cup of tea. Come and join Arohanoa for a morning of hononga (connection), kōrero (conversation), and creative exchange.

Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026

Time: 10am – 11.30am

Where: The Classroom, The Kollective

This is a free event, but you need to register to come along.

To help us keep track of numbers, tickets are limited to one per order.

Let’s fill our cups - literally and metaphorically - together.

Register your spot here: https://events.humanitix.com/kapu-and-k-rero-november-2026

Creativity belongs in our public spaces.The newly completed mural at Katikati Skate Park is a fantastic example of what ...
06/10/2026

Creativity belongs in our public spaces.

The newly completed mural at Katikati Skate Park is a fantastic example of what happens when art and community come together.

Led by street artist Kalib Wallace, the project gave local young people the opportunity to get involved, learn new skills and help create something for their community.

It's more than a mural. It's a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the importance of giving our young people opportunities to express themselves.

Across Tauranga and the Western Bay, projects like this remind us that creativity helps shape the places we live and brings our communities together.

Creativity belongs here.

This election, choose connection, culture & community.

Creativity comes alive when we come together.On stages, in theatres, community halls, schools and unexpected spaces acro...
30/09/2026

Creativity comes alive when we come together.

On stages, in theatres, community halls, schools and unexpected spaces across Tauranga and the Western Bay, performers bring us together to laugh, listen, move, feel and see the world a little differently.

From theatre and dance to live music and performance, the performing arts create shared experiences. They give people a place to express themselves, tell stories and connect with others.

Because creativity isn’t just something we make. It’s something we experience together.

Creativity belongs here. This election, choose connection, culture & community.

Address

The Kollective, 17th Avenue
Tauranga
3112

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+6479285270

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Creative Bay of Plenty - Te Waka Auaha Toi posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Creative Bay of Plenty - Te Waka Auaha Toi:

Shortcuts

Share