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About us...

Tuatara Collective is a not-for-profit Charitable Trust that invites rangatahi, their whānau, and the wider communities to engage with our Rātā Initiative, an innovative high-quality arts practice collaborating with health professionals to support mental health and wellness in the creative industries.


Our mahi has a transformative impact on rangatahi, whānau and the wider community. What gives us a clear point of difference from other arts organisations and sets our Rātā initiative apart is its foundation in Te Ao Māori. This brings a rich cultural context that enhances the mental health support provided. The emphasis on wairua, atua, and holistic wellbeing ensures that the initiative is not only effective but also culturally resonant and inclusive. This responsive approach honours Māori traditions and values, setting a powerful example for how mental health support can be woven into the fabric of creative endeavours.

About our mahi...

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RĀTĀ INITIATIVE

RĀTĀ is an innovative arts practice that provides mental health and wellness support for rangatahi, artists and audiences across all of our mahi. 

 

Engaging professional health services to work alongside and collaborate with our rangatahi and artists is a core value of Tuatara Collective, and our unique practice informs the kaupapa and work we create and present.

 

When artists and audiences have support within the spaces where they experience art, the quality of work is elevated, improving community and audience engagement and participation.

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WORK STRANDS

Our 5 work strands outline a clear pathway for growth and progression in artistic practice.

Rangatahi Entry Level

- budding artists begin their journey, build foundational skills and confidence

 

Rangatahi Graduate Level

- emerging artists refine their craft, gain deeper technical expertise and experience

Established Artists

- accomplished artists create independent and collaborative projects, and contribute back to their communities

Development

- resources and workshops that empower rangatahi to create new work

Public

- commercial opportunities to showcase high-quality art to audiences, fostering engagement, visibility, and feedback

 

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STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

We work closely with Ahipoutu Collective delivering free wānanga programmes for rangatahi, and have very strong ties to all Tauranga Moana iwi, hapū and other local Māori communities. We have build excellent partnerships with Te Wharekura o Mauao, Mount Maunganui College and Te Kura o Matapihi.

We also have strategic relationships with several venues/presenters including Baycourt Community & Arts Centre Tauranga, and the Sir Howard Morrison Centre Rotorua.

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