About

Te Oro’s Artist in Residence programme returned in late 2024 after a long hiatus. In 2025 the cohort features ten resident artists and collectives selected through a public expression of interest.

The programme supports two streams, visual and performing arts, and offers dedicated studio access across a four-month allocated period, residency stipend, networking, mentoring, paid workshops and wraparound support for end of residency showings and exhibitions.

Past resident creatives include Pacific Dance Company, Benjamin Work, and Gary Silipa. Renowned Glen Innes artist Emily Karaka has also used Te Oro as a creative home across projects.

Artist Residents:
Jim To’o Stretton November 2024 - March 2025
Maria Mapa April - July 2026
Celine Miller (Painters Club) August – November 2026
John Tanuvasa (Ohn Clothing) October 2025 – January 2026 (based at TPK studio)
Tui Hirabayashi December 2025 – March 2026

Performance Residents:
Villa Lemanu November 2024 - March 2025
Projekt Team May – August 2026
Ken Vaega August 2025 – November 2026
Prowl Productions October 2025 – January 2026
Tupua Tigafua December 2025 – March 2026

Projekt Team

Projekt Team is Aotearoa’s leading All-Style Street Dance collective, established in 2014 with a mission to build authentic spaces for Hip Hop and Street Dance freestyle culture in New Zealand. Renowned for their freestyle mastery and deep knowledge of street dance styles, the team is dedicated to teaching, producing original works, and delivering high-impact events across the country. Driven by the philosophy “People First. Dance Second,” Projekt Team continues to centre community connection and creative excellence in everything they do.

PROWL Productions

Prowl Productions is an entertainment company that delivers innovative and high quality experiences to the masses. At Prowl Productions, we believe that art practices and experiences are ever evolving and we want to be at the forefront of this evolution.

Villa Lemanu

Villa Junior Lemanu is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist working across dance, theatre, film, and other artistic mediums. His work reimagines the overlooked moments of everyday life, highlighting the beauty in the mundane through a contemporary lens. Rooted in a deep love for storytelling, his work often plays with memories and connection, crafting experiences that resonate beyond the stage.

Having performed and collaborated both nationally and internationally, he continues to push his creative boundaries, immersing himself in new artistic practices, disciplines, and collaborations—dedicated to honing his craft and evolving as a thoughtful artisan.

Photo Credit:
Creative Director: Leon Bristow
Photography: Frances Carter

Ken Vaega

Lightsaber, also known as Ken Vaega, is a globally recognized Polynesian Krump artist and creative force from Mangere now based out of Otara, Auckland, New Zealand. Lightsaber recently won the international World of Dance All Style dance championship. He is also a European Buck Session World Krump Champion and multi-title winner in international dance battles, his journey spans performances, choreography, and judging across the globe. Notable highlights include championships in South Korea, Japan, Germany, and Australia, as well as judging prestigious events like Hip-Hop International and the World Supremacy Battlegrounds.

Lightsaber's choreographic expertise has taken him to iconic studios such as the Kinjaz Dojo (Los Angeles) and stages worldwide, including theatre productions like Manu Malo (Hamburg) and The Manifestation (Luxemburg). He brings a unique fusion of cultural storytelling and street dance innovation, inspiring through his teaching, performances, and creative works. His artistry is a testament to resilience, connection, and the power of movement.

Tupua Tigafua

Talofa, my name is Tupua Tigafua. I am a choreographer/ dancer living in Mangere East with my wife and four kids. Throughout my professional dance career, I have danced for most of Aotearoa’s top contemporary dance companies travelling extensively across Aotearoa (including Te Oro) and internationally. In 2018, I decided to pursue a career as a choreographer and to start developing my style of theatre. Since then I have created works for professional dance companies, theatre companies and institutions like P.I.P.A, Unitec and Toi Whakari.

I’ve taught and made small works for high schools, intermediate and primary schools. I have also made my own works: Shel We, Ciggy Butts In The Sand and a new work still to be fully developed - 14 Malone Rd. Although I am living in Mangere now, I will always be a child of the East Side. I was born and raised in Mt Wellington on Malone Road.