Toi Māori, Reo Māori: Create Māori art while learning te reo Māori

Discover the joy of creating while building your confidence with everyday te reo Māori.

Toi Māori, Reo Māori is a relaxed, welcoming and hands-on art workshop that brings together creativity, language and connection. Guided by a Māori artist, participants will create their own artwork while being introduced to everyday kupu (words) and simple phrases in te reo Māori along the way.

Rather than learning te reo Māori in a classroom setting, language is woven naturally through the creative process - through colours, materials, actions, ideas and conversation. It is an opportunity to learn by doing, making it easy to have a go, ask questions and use new words as you create.

The workshop is designed for everyone, whether you are completely new to art, beginning your te reo Māori journey, or simply looking for a creative way to strengthen what you already know. You don’t need to consider yourself an artist and you don’t need any prior knowledge of te reo Māori - just bring your curiosity and willingness to give it a go.

At its heart, Toi Māori, Reo Māori is about more than making an artwork. It is about creating a space where people can learn together, connect with one another and experience language through creativity. Participants will leave with something they have created themselves, some new kupu and phrases to take into everyday life, and hopefully a little more confidence to keep using te reo Māori.

All experience levels are welcome. No previous art or te reo Māori experience is needed.

Suitable for all ages. Under 13 years to be accompanied by a caregiver or parent.

Ordinary Wonders includes a five-week programme of FREE workshops, performances, conversations, film screenings, and creative activities designed to celebrate connection, belonging, and the memories that shape our lives.

All events are FREE, but registration is encouraged, with limited places available for some workshops.

About the artist, M Winiana Artistry

I te taha o toku matua

Ko te Mauitikitiki a taranga te maunga

Ko te Wairoa-hopupu-honengenenge te awa

Ko Takitimu te waka

Ko Ngāti Kahungunu te iwi

Ko Wimaroro te hapu

Ko Taihoa te marae

I te taha o toku whaea

Ko Whakarongorua te maunga

Ko Utakura te awa

Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te waka

Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi

Ko te honihoni, te popoto, te ngahengahe nga hapu

Ko Mokonui-a-rangi te marae

Ko Winiana te whanau

Ko Michael-Lydia toku ingoa.

He tauira o te reo Māori. E noho ana au i Ōtautahi. Kaore au e ako, heoi, ka mahi au i nga mahi toi mo tenei wā.

I have worked many jobs. I am a trained barista, I've taught kapahaka at primary school, I threw a hand to teaching te reo Māori for a publishing house, I've been a checkout chick, and I've even driven a ute for a weed spraying team. But none of these jobs have brought the exhilaration of leaving the security of a mainstream weekly paycheck to pursue my creative ventures.

The touch, the sound, the emotional connection of exploring art in all of its forms is my way of speaking to the experience of life. Not only this, but it connects me to the whenua, ngā Atua and my tupuna who walked this earth before me. Through my body and down into the tips of my paint brushes run the energy of a creativity that is greater than just me.

Learn more about M Winiana Artistry

Contact the host of Toi Māori, Reo Māori: Create Māori art while learning te reo Māori