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Atawhai 

To show kindness, caring, generosity

A festival created to help in the response for education around suicide prevention, mental health, and wellbeing. In its beginnings, Atawhai aimed to destigmatise mental health and addiction problems, through changing dialogue and perceptions around the topic and creating tangible support networks. Atawhai encouraged self-care for those engaged in the performing arts, in any capacity. 

We still do this mahi, but over the years we have expanded our concept of 'wellbeing', to include all senses of lived experience. With a focus on development, Atawhai now offers opportunities for artists to grow, hold space without inhibition, and without fear of judgement or shame. We are proud to listen to our artists, their knowledge and taonga. We are proud to create spaces where they can thrive.

2019

Writers Network

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Atawhai proudly supports artists who want to explore stories based on their life and lived experiences. Each evening celebrates the mahi of six new emerging artists following week-long workshop processes. Five distinct journeys and our creators are excited to show you their progress. NAU MAI!

Ahurei Takatāpui

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Smashing it in their fields, four of our takatāpui whānau are coming together to koha everyone a day of fun, workshops and uplifting korero. Audiences with Gee, Brady, Jacob and Ardon: lets korero hauora, personal negotiation, makeup, flawless style, music, singing, movement and boxing! Come join us for 1 or 4, your choice!!!

Once the workshops are done, we'll do what we do best, kai, waiata and enjoy each other’s company from 4:15pm.

Supported by our ATC whānau

Tempo Dance Festival 

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"This year we are delighted to be partnering with Atawhai Festival to co-present well-being focused events for the dance sector. This alignment comes from rigorous community research that identifies a crucial need for the dance sector to have tools available to them around maintaining holistic health practices.

We also identify the power of physicality, dance and movement practices as a catalyst for wellbeing. This partnership will seek to facilitate positive transformation for our sector and for the  public, and we are excited to be working alongside experts in the field." 

- Cat Ruka

Animal (Supporting)

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"They’ve taken our land, kidnapped our young, slaughtered our kind and sold the remains...” Deep in the rural south of New Zealand the animals of James Cook farm have had enough of their colonisers. A crack of thunder in the distance. The revolution is coming.

Atawhai is proud to be supporting Stray Theatre Company along with Co-Directors' Arlo Green and Harriett Maire for a visual re-telling of George Orwell's infamous and powerful novella, 'Animal Farm'.

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Puāwai

Helping to reduce stigma with performance, education, laughter and song

Puawai is a celebration. A festival to highlight how far the queer community has come in the global mahi towords ending HIV.

 

In the weeks leading up to World Aids Day (December 1st), Taurima has worked alongside Body Positive, Positive Women, NZAF & the Positive Speakers’ Bureau to create a series of events which highlight our community. Over the years we've held workshops, comedy, and cabaret performance to create spaces which celebrate queer identity. 

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