Pasifika Flavour (Arts!)

Celebrating Creative Therapies and Tongan Language Week.

A free Pasifika community arts event is being offered by Kupenga Ora Service of Kāhui Tū Kaha in two session options. 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 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. The event will be led by Emanita Aholelei, Fetu Mataia and Matiu Hamuera from Kupenga Ora team.

"This 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. "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 the morning or afternoon session of Pasifika Flavour (Arts!) contact: Marion Gordon-Flower, Service Manager Kupenga Ora: marion.flower@kahuitukaha.co.nz; phone 027 7003123.