Introducing First Thursdays in Devonport, Te Hau Kapua

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been working with local partners to bring the global phenomenon, First Thursdays to Devonport, Te Hau Kapua! A celebration of arts, creativity and culture. We hope to deliver inspiring, engaging, events that support local businesses and community partners in Devonport on the first Thursday of every month, and offer Devonport locals and visitors something special to be part of.

So, please join us on Thursday 6 June, for our inaugural First Thursdays event, and mark your calendars for the first Thursday of every month thereafter!

Our first event will kick off on Thursday 6 June, and we will be hosting an artist talk by local artists Terehia and Ngahiwi Walker who make up the creative duo Poutehau Designs. The event will run from 6-7pm, all are welcome, and you receive a complimentary drink courtesy of Toi Toi Wines. The event is free but a koha is welcome.

As a First Thursdays partner, The Vic Devonport will be showing a Series of Artist Films curated by local conceptual artist and photographer Mickey Smith, also launching on 6 June at 8:20pm. with Marina Abramovic’s documentary – The Artist is Present. And every subsequent First Thursday of the month will offer another stunning art house film. Thank you Mickey Smith!

Also local neighbourhood bar, Tiny Triumphs, is hosting local band Freight (6.30-10pm) on 6 June, so you can take in an artist talk, live music and an Artist Film, plus maybe a tasty drink, snack or meal at one of our delicious local eateries! Yay!

So we invite you to enjoy a night out in Devonport, soak up an evening of art, culture, food and entertainment, support local businesses, and have fun! We hope to grow this series and showcase the amazing creatives and artists in Devonport and work in partnership with our local community.

About Poutehau Designs

The taonga made by Poutehau Designs reflect the artist-duo’s dedication to nurturing and caring for te taiao (the environment). As local artists, Ngahiwi and Terehia Walker’s commitment to incorporating the matauranga (knowledge) of te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into their work reflects a deep respect for their indigenous wisdom and cultural heritage.

By intertwining their art with environmental stewardship and matauranga Māori, they create pieces that foster a deeper connection between tangata (people) and the whenua (land). They honour and share the richness of te ao Māori through their art, and aim to encourage others to cherish and protect our natural world. Their practices are committed to supporting the environment and minimising their ecological footprint by using recycled materials and sourcing natural resources.

The designs incorporated into their artwork tell stories of the deep rich history of Te Hau Kapua (Devonport) and the spirit of the maunga (mountain) that guide and protect our iwi (village).