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Celebrating Creative Therapies and Tongan Language Week

A free Pasifika community arts event is being offered by Kāhui Tū Kaha at Te Oro Arts Centre in Glen Innes on 5 September. This is a part in the inaugural ‘Aotearoa Creative Therapies Awareness Week: Whakaora Toi’, a joint initiative by ANZACATA (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association) and CTAA (Creative Therapies Association of Aotearoa), which will run from 1-8 September in a number of Auckland locations and nationwide.

Kupenga Ora Service of Kāhui Tū Kaha offers a range of weekly and fortnightly therapeutic arts programmes with the assistance of Auckland Council: ‘Ngā Mahi Toi’ and ‘Pasifika’ groups at Oranga Community Centre; ‘Ngā Mahi ā Rēhia’ at Orakei Community Centre; ‘Mana Movement’ at Riverside Community Centre; ‘International Women’s Group’ at Ferndale House; and ‘Arts Journeys Projects’, and ‘Music Appreciation and Jam’ at Te Oro Arts Centre.

The timing of the creative therapists’ initiative coincides with Tongan Language week, and ‘Pasifika Flavour (Arts!)’ will be provided as a special event to celebrate both; at Te Oro Arts Centre, 98 Line Road, Glen Innes in two session-timings: 10.30am-12.00 and 12.30-2.00pm on Thursday 5 September.

‘The workshops will offer the chance to learn more about the benefits of a Pasifika arts focuses in health and wellbeing, whilst having fun with contemporary lei making and dance,’ lead facilitator, Emanita Aholelei, has said. ‘Inspiration for the lei making approach has come from Tongan Artist, Sione Monu, and his artworks of flower designing using the form of kahoa or Tongan garlands,’

‘People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to attend, and it is free, however booking is advised to ensure your place.’

For further information and to book for a session of Pasifika Flavour (Arts!) contact: Marion Gordon-Flower, Service Manager Kupenga Ora: marion.flower@kahuitukaha.co.nz; phone 027 7003123.

Kupenga Ora Service, Kāhui Tū Kaha

The Kupenga Ora team of four have specialties in the arts from a Maori and Pacifika perspective, as well as contemporary fine arts and music, and in combination with health-related qualifications. They have a particular interest in bringing opportunities to people who are isolated through unemployment, grief or health concerns.

They offer the chance to find social connection in a supportive, creative environment which can bring about improved wellbeing, alongside of developing new skills in the arts and transferrable skills towards employment. They are also providing opportunities for people who are interested in project management and organisation to become involved on that level.

The service sits within the umbrella of Kāhui Tū Kaha, a multi-service mental health NGO.