Huarahi Toi
Categories
Placemaking, Programme Design, Creative Direction, Cultural Strategy
Client
Auckland Pride
Project
Te Tīmatanga Huarahi Toi
Services
Programme Design Partnership Management Sponsorship Procurement Creative Direction Curation Production
Year
2022
The project began with a need to respond — how a programme could remain resilient and meaningful within the constraints of Covid-19.
We developed Te Tīmatanga Huarahi Toi as a flexible framework that could operate at multiple scales, ensuring delivery regardless of restrictions. Grounded in kaupapa Māori, the work prioritised Whakawāhine and Takatāpui communities — with a particular focus on sex workers and MSM communities — placing their visibility, safety, and narratives at the centre of the programme.
The project began with a need to respond — how a programme could remain resilient and meaningful within the constraints of Covid-19.
We developed Te Tīmatanga Huarahi Toi as a flexible framework that could operate at multiple scales, ensuring delivery regardless of restrictions. Grounded in kaupapa Māori, the work prioritised Whakawāhine and Takatāpui communities — with a particular focus on sex workers and MSM communities — placing their visibility, safety, and narratives at the centre of the programme.
The response took shape as a huarahi toi — a public art pathway across key sites in the city. Working with Britomart, Auckland Council, Precinct Properties, Viaduct Harbour, and Eke Panuku, we established a series of interventions that acted as both signal and beacon — embedding Takatāpui presence within historic and highly visible urban environments.
Rather than a singular outcome, the programme functioned as a system — adaptable across public space, digital platforms, and community engagement. It allowed for layered storytelling, holding space for cultural specificity while remaining accessible to wider audiences.
The response took shape as a huarahi toi — a public art pathway across key sites in the city. Working with Britomart, Auckland Council, Precinct Properties, Viaduct Harbour, and Eke Panuku, we established a series of interventions that acted as both signal and beacon — embedding Takatāpui presence within historic and highly visible urban environments.
Rather than a singular outcome, the programme functioned as a system — adaptable across public space, digital platforms, and community engagement. It allowed for layered storytelling, holding space for cultural specificity while remaining accessible to wider audiences.
The result was both immediate and sustained. Public understanding of Takatāpuitanga increased, organisational visibility strengthened, and community support deepened. The programme also drove significant growth — contributing to a 600% increase in organisational income within a single year.
More than a response, Te Tīmatanga Huarahi Toi established a model — one that connects place, people, and kaupapa, and demonstrates how public art can operate as infrastructure for cultural visibility, resilience, and collective belonging.
Works listed in order of image top to bottom.
Image 1: E Nekeneke Ki Tōu Ake Ao, Hāmiora Bailey. Viaduct Harbour 2022.
Image 2: Atarangi. Te Whitingā O Te Rā Residency Recipient. Britomart 2022.
Image 3: KO MANA A IA, Maia Keane. Britomart 2023.
Image 4: Waharua Kopito, Huriana Kopeke Te Aho, Shannon Novak, 2022.
Image 5: Whakarare, Fern Ngātai. Eke Pānuku 2022.
The result was both immediate and sustained. Public understanding of Takatāpuitanga increased, organisational visibility strengthened, and community support deepened. The programme also drove significant growth — contributing to a 600% increase in organisational income within a single year.
More than a response, Te Tīmatanga Huarahi Toi established a model — one that connects place, people, and kaupapa, and demonstrates how public art can operate as infrastructure for cultural visibility, resilience, and collective belonging.
Works listed in order of image top to bottom.
Image 1: E Nekeneke Ki Tōu Ake Ao, Hāmiora Bailey. Viaduct Harbour 2022.
Image 2: Atarangi. Te Whitingā O Te Rā Residency Recipient. Britomart 2022.
Image 3: KO MANA A IA, Maia Keane. Britomart 2023.
Image 4: Waharua Kopito, Huriana Kopeke Te Aho, Shannon Novak, 2022.
Image 5: Whakarare, Fern Ngātai. Eke Pānuku 2022.
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