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Nau mai, haere mai, ki te Whare Tapere

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A House of Indigenous Storytelling
Whare Tapere were spaces on Pā sites, where Māori would come together to celebrate and use a range of artforms to share their stories. Artist-scholars such as Charles Royal and Nicola Hyland are bringing to light this history through their research and writing. Māori artists are embracing and enlivening the storied tradition of these houses in their work.

Absolution

Retailers

Established in 1996 as a professional body-piercing studio, Absolution built its reputation on a combination of a hygienic approach, modern fit-out and professional and personable staff.

Conversations in Progress

Saturday 04 October to Saturday 01 November 2025

Between artwork and artist. The artist with themselves. The artist and their audience. The audience with the art. And, ultimately, the audience with themselves.
These conversations are ongoing, dynamic, and ever-changing. They shift with each encounter, reflecting who we are in the moment — our outlooks, beliefs, and emotions. Every return visit is different, because we are different.
Conversations in Progress is my conversation. It reveals not only the finished pieces, but the process of creation itself — exposed to public view in all its raw detail. The good, the bad, the awkward, and the uncertain. In embracing the fear of failure and vulnerability, I open myself to the possibility of growth, redemption, and triumph.
Each week, I’ll be joined by a local guest artist to showcase the vastly different techniques, skills, and processes of diverse practices. Expect live painting demonstrations, sculpting, collaborations, speed-painting tutorials, and more. This is a fluid exhibition with no fixed schedule — activities change daily, new works are added weekly, and the gallery itself becomes an ever-shifting landscape.
Alongside this evolving program, visitors can explore a collection of original artworks, artist studies, and limited-edition prints. A dedicated chill-out area offers a space to rest, reflect, or simply watch as the creation processes unfold in real time. Attendees are also encouraged to take part — grab a brush, join an activity, or add your own voice to the ongoing conversation.
In a world where A.I. and social media condition us to crave polished outcomes and instant gratification, Conversations in Progress invites you to reconnect with the beauty of the process — the focus, the struggle, the joy, and the dialogue between imagination and reality.
This is not just an exhibition. It’s an invitation to witness, to participate, and to create.

A French Musical Soirée with Sonia & Nigel

Sunday 2 November, 2025

Sonia & Nigel are a multi-cultural acoustic duo featuring French-American Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals & ukulele and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar. They weave French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and inspiration from their travels around the world. After meeting and playing together for the first time at a folk festival during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand on a solo round-the-world trip in December 2014, the pair have since become a well-loved duo in the New Zealand music scene and beyond - sharing songs as a vehicle for peace, joy, laughter, healing and community-building; celebrating beauty, love, life and ecology through their music.

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Make a regular donation via your employer to The Arts Centre

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Giving through my pay
Make a regular donation to The Arts Centre through your employer each pay day and receive an immediate tax credit.

Friends Fundraising Open Garden 2025

Sunday 7 December 2025

Join the Friends of the Arts Centre for a special visit to Frensham, a peaceful and wonderful 5* “Garden of National Significance” near Tai Tapu.

Homegrown Gallery

Retailers

Celebrating Ōtautahi artists and their unique talents. You will have a chance to Meet the Maker; there is a different artist in residence every day of the week. Choose from a fantastic selection of products handmade by our artists and other makers throughout Aotearoa. Visit the Homegrown whānau upstairs in Boys' High Building and Support Local!

Arts Centre Guided Walking Tours

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Artists’ Studios Re-open at The Arts Centre

News

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre has reinstated the tradition of open artists’ studios, where the public can watch artists at work. The open studios were a popular feature of The Arts Centre before the Canterbury earthquakes.