He Taonga - Kia Mahara
Description
He Taonga — A Christmas Art Experience of Love, Memory & Connection
Who will you carry this Christmas?
This Christmas, create something meaningful for someone special.
Join Māori artist Hinarera Lambert for He Taonga, a beautiful, hands-on Christmas art experience celebrating the people we love, the memories we treasure and the stories we carry in our hearts.
Sometimes, the most precious gifts aren't bought in a shop. They're the memories we hold, the words we wish we'd said and the people who have helped shape our lives.
During this special experience, you'll be invited to slow down, reflect and reconnect with someone meaningful to you. Through a simple letter-writing activity and guided creative process, you'll transform a treasured photograph into a personalised Christmas ornament — a taonga to cherish for years to come.
✨ Your He Taonga experience includes:
1. Write — A Letter from the Heart
Begin with a quiet moment to write a personal letter to someone special. It might be someone you love, someone you miss, someone who has influenced your life or someone whose memory you want to honour.
2. Create — Your Personalised Photo Taonga
With guidance from Hinarera, create a beautiful photo ornament that celebrates your chosen person and the memories you share. All your art materials are provided.
3. Indulge — Dessert, Tea & Coffee
Enjoy a delicious dessert, tea or coffee in a relaxed, welcoming environment where you can create, reflect and connect with others.
4. Take Home — A Memory to Treasure
Leave with your own handcrafted photo ornament, a meaningful reminder of the people who make life precious.
❤️ No art experience needed
You don't need to consider yourself creative, and you don't need to be an artist. This experience is about the meaning behind what you make, not perfection. Your story is enough.
Whether you're celebrating someone who is still beside you, honouring someone who has passed, or simply wanting to preserve a precious family memory, there is space for your story here.
Event details
📅 Saturday 7 November 2026
🕕 6pm–9pm
📍 WOW Hub, 135 Broadway, Kaikohe
🎟️ $49 per person
Your ticket includes your creative materials, personalised photo ornament, dessert, tea and coffee, and guided support throughout the experience.
This event is also part of Hinarera's fundraising journey to Canada for HOSW.
Come for the art. Leave with a memory.
Haere mai — join us for an evening of creativity, reflection, aroha and connection. Create your own taonga this Christmas. ❤️
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is He Taonga?
He Taonga is a special Christmas art experience hosted by Māori artist Hinarera Lambert. It's an evening of creativity, reflection and connection where you'll write a personal letter to someone special and create a personalised photo ornament to honour their memory or celebrate your relationship. You'll also enjoy dessert, tea and coffee.
- When and where is the event?
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026
Time: 6:00pm–9:00pm
Location: WOW Hub, 135 Broadway, Kaikohe.Please arrive a little early so you can settle in and enjoy a warm welcome.
- How much does it cost?
Tickets are $49 per person. Your ticket includes your creative materials, personalised photo ornament, guided art experience, dessert, tea and coffee.
- Do I need to be artistic or have previous art experience?
Absolutely not! This experience is for everyone, whether you're a confident artist or someone who hasn't picked up a paintbrush in years. Hinarera will guide you through the creative process, and the focus is on meaning and connection rather than perfection.
- Do I need to bring anything?
Please bring a printed photograph of the person you would like to honour in your creation. Choose someone special to you — a loved one, a family member, a friend or someone whose memory you want to keep close.
7cm wide and 10cm long (Max)
This is the size of the frame.
All other art materials will be provided. If you're unsure what photograph to bring, please contact the organiser before the event.
- What if I don't want to share my personal story?
That's completely fine. The letter-writing and creative activities are personal, and sharing your story with the group is entirely optional. You are welcome to participate at whatever level feels comfortable for you.
- Is this event suitable for someone who is grieving?
Yes. He Taonga offers a gentle opportunity to honour someone you love or miss. You are welcome to remember someone who has passed away, celebrate someone who is still in your life, or create something for a person who has made a difference to you.
There is no expectation to share your feelings or explain your story. Please take part in whatever way feels right for you.
- Is food and drink included?
Yes! Your ticket includes a delicious dessert, tea and coffee to enjoy during the evening. If you have dietary requirements or allergies, please contact the organiser ahead of time so we can discuss what's possible.
- Can I come with a friend or family member?
Of course! You are welcome to book with a friend or family member. It's a lovely way to share a meaningful experience together. Please make sure each person has their own ticket.
- Can I buy a ticket for someone else as a gift?
Yes! A ticket could make a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys creativity, meaningful experiences or preserving family memories. Please ensure the recipient knows the event date and location.
- What happens if I can no longer attend?
If your plans change, please contact the organiser as soon as possible. Refunds and ticket transfers will be handled in accordance with the event's stated booking and refund policy.
- How many people can attend?
Places are limited to 20 to keep the experience welcoming and personal. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
- Is parking available?
Please allow enough time to find suitable parking near WOW Hub at 135 Broadway, Kaikohe. Contact the organiser if you need assistance with access or arrival arrangements.
- Who is hosting the event?
He Taonga is hosted by Hinarera Lambert, a Māori artist with over 35 years of creative experience and a passion for using art to nurture storytelling, reflection and connection.
This event is also part of Hinarera's fundraising journey to Canada for HOSW.
- How can I ask another question?
If you have any questions about the event, accessibility, dietary needs or what to bring, please contact the organiser through the Humanitix event page.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity



