Toi Ako Te Kauwhata
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About Us

Founded in 2019, Toi Ako Te Kauwhata is a community arts initiative committed to bringing the community together through creativity. We work across many artforms and modalities to deliver classes, programmes and events for, and with, people of all ages and abilities. We believe in creativity, art and culture as a platform for the development of new skills, self expression, community cohesion, wellbeing and social change.

We are a not for profit organisation governed and supported by the Te Kauwhata Community House. Our Creative Art Therapies complement the range of counselling and social services options available at the Community House. 

Find us at Toi Ako Artspace underneath St Margaret's Church Hall, 3 Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata. Carparking is available at the very bottom of the drive way to the left of the church. Please note we are only open for scheduled classes and by arrangement. You may also find us out and about in Te Kauwhata and Districts with our Arts in the Community and District Outreach Programmes.

​Feel free to contact us at - [email protected] / 021 222 5682. 
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Our People

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​Lauren Hughes, AThR– Toi Ako Manager
Lauren is a TK local, registered Creative Arts Therapist, and has an extensive background in professional arts and event management. Career highlights include:
  • Dance teacher through the British Theatre Dance Association
  • Creative Programmes Manager at Auckland Live (then THE EDGE)
  • Producer of the PANNZ NZ Performing Arts Market 
  • Funding Advisor – Arts Alive at Auckland Council
  • Founding Producer & General Manager for Red Leap Theatre
  • Funding assessor and facilitator for Creative New Zealand
  • Current Trustee of Creative Waikato
  • ANZACATA registered Creative Arts Therapist

Since moving to Te Kauwhata in 2004 Lauren has become deeply connected to the community while raising her three sons here. She enjoys supporting others succeed on their own terms and is also passionate about the connection between creativity and wellbeing. 

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Kris Bryant - Programme Leader, Rangitahi
Kris moved to TK in 2021. She brings to the team an unbridled enthusiasm for people and talent for making things happen. She has a wealth of experience in music management, broadcasting and events. As the Director of New Zealous Music she manages bookings and touring for several NZ bands including TJ and Huri and Katchafire. 
Since moving to TK Kris has also taken an active role in the wider community and is currently Vice Chair of the Te Kauwhata Events Committee. 
Kris loves her portfolio at Toi Ako and looks forward to meeting you.

Support Us

We are grateful to a range of funding partners, sponsors and community allies including...
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We are always seeking new partners, sponsors, investors and collaborators so please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like to learn more.

​Donations are also welcome in our bank account - 03 1574 0007572 00. Donations are tax deductible so please get in touch if you would like a reciept - [email protected]. 

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  • Home
  • Clubs & Classes
  • Guest Workshops
  • Community
  • Youth
  • Outreach
  • Arts Therapy
  • About Us