Toi Maaori - A Kowhaiwhai Art Programme

Thursday 19th Feb - Thursday 26th March

Every Thursday 10am to 1pm

Have you ever looked at beautiful kowhaiwhai patterns and thought you would like to create your own but lacked the confidence to start? Then this 6 week starter programme is for you.

This is a creative 6-week journey exploring kowhaiwhai - our traditional Māori patterns full of meaning, story, and cultural expression. You will learn the about the traditional motifs such as koru, mangōpare, kōriri, rauru, ngutu kākā, niho taniwha, and more. Each week will build your skills and confidence through hands-on, contemporary art projects.

What to Expect:

Learn the meaning behind traditional Māori Kowhaiwhai patterns and how to tell your own stories through visual design.
Practice drawing patterns and using them in fun achievable art works
Create hangable, meaningful creations using a variety of fun materials
Be part of a kaupapa Māori learning space - where manaakitanga, creativity, and connection are at the heart.

This course is suitable for persons aged 16 and over.

Course cost: $60 - includes all materials.

As a not-for-profit organisation, NGĀ ART (Te Whare Toi o Ngaaruawaahia) relies on grants, community funding, and donations to keep our classes affordable and accessible for everyone in our community. This programme is generously subsidised thanks to funding support from TEC (Tertiary Education Commission) to assist with literacy and numeracy needs of our participants. You must attend 80% of the classes. At the same time we hope you will learn other useful and interesting skills and have a lot of fun learning with us.

(Payment plans are available if you are unable to pay in full at time of registration. Contact admin@ngaart.org.nz)

Toi Maaori Term 1 2026