2020 Tuatara Collective
RĀTĀ INITIATIVE
Ware ana a Rātā, tū ana te aka o Tāne Mahuta
The Rātā seed cries out, its tuakana reaches out
Whakatauākī nā Chris Winitana
1
Our art is important.
Tuatara Collective has established itself as an important incubator for rangatahi and emerging artists to express themselves within a safe and supportive environment. Through our innovative Rātā Initiative supporting mental health in the Arts industry, we can continue to strengthen holistic wellbeing safely with robust cultural competency and mātauranga.
Rātā is designed to cultivate whakawhanaungatanga and actively foster diversity and inclusion by encouraging the safe expression of ideas and emotions. This results in the creation of high-quality theatre and performing arts opportunities that are authentic, culturally appropriate, meaningful and relevant for local rangatahi to participate in, and communities, hapū and iwi to experience.
2
Our art is rongoā.
We are healing our communities through the creative arts by integrating Te Ao Māori perspectives into our practices.
We utilise culturally-specific spiritual and mindfulness practices to help young people release, clear and manage their own psychological and spiritual distress.
What sets Rātā initiative apart from other arts organisations, is our foundation in Te Ao Māori. This perspective brings a rich cultural context that enhances the mental health support provided. The emphasis on wairua (spirituality), atua (ancestral connections), and holistic wellbeing ensures that the initiative is not only effective but also culturally resonant and inclusive.
This culturally 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.
3
Our art, our people.
Our people, our future.
Tuatara Collective is all about building resilience. Our innovative arts practice, the Rātā Initiative, is focused on health and wellbeing which has had a transformative impact on rangatahi, whānau and the wider community.
We share the aspirations of our community for Māori whānau, hapū and iwi to have story sovereignty and to grow culturally strong, resilient and proud change-makers, story-tellers and leaders in our young people who face prejudice, racism and challenges to their cultural identity on a daily basis.
Historical and intergenerational trauma from colonisation has alienated our communities from our own stories, leading to a lack of self-representation. This disconnection can hinder the ability to envision positive futures. However, when we reimagine the narrative we have limitless potential and diverse possibilities when trauma is not a barrier, but instead is a catalyst for transformation.
a reviewer
“Stories about mental illness can easily stray into unsettling grey areas, where historic pain and volatile emotions are too close for comfort for artist and audience alike. But Tuatara Collective honour the trust placed in them by the audience and walk together with us into a dark space, ensuring we keep the light at the end of the tunnel within our line of sight.”
an audience member
“Experiencing your play has allowed me to let go of something that I have been carrying for 30 years. I cannot thank you enough.”
an educator
“Offering this sort of assistance to an audience is necessary not only to acknowledge the seriousness of the issues raised but also to ensure the safety of those who might be triggered by the subject matter.”
an actor
"Whilst working with heavy content, I was able to navigate through the story safely - both as the character and as an actor - largely due to the care and support provided via the Rata Initiative. Tuatara Collective ensured we were all well looked after and aware of the support that
surrounded us, and understood the value of our mental wellbeing."
a health professional
“The creativity within the resonance of performing arts and mahi toi is recognised internationally as providing therapeutic and healing outcomes for those engaged in these activities as both artists, audiences and project recipients. Tuatara Collective’s Rātā Initiative provides te Puawaitanga – the flourishing - during a time which is otherwise immersed in languishing."
a parent
"Tuatara Collective have offered my son ways to express himself, share his thoughts, his grief, his happiness, that make sense to him and stretch his abilities. Apart from home there is nowhere else he feels safe to be himself - this makes me sad but incredibly grateful to Tuatara Collective for their mahi."