A New Kind of Hui: Te Muka Toi | Te Muka Tākata: Weaving Creativity, Community, and Collective Action

This June, creatives, cultural leaders, businesses and community groups from across the motu are invited to attend Te Muka Toi | Te Muka Tākata, a new four-day creative and cultural hui taking place in Queenstown and Wānaka.

The programme will include thought-provoking discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking sessions — all focused on strengthening the creative sector and encouraging real, practical action.

Join this FREE event.

Event Link

Why come?

• Connect with peers, funders and change-makers.
• Celebrate the creative energy already transforming the region.

From thought-leading panels with international voices to hands-on workshops, industry networking and speed-dating sessions, this is where inspiration meets action.

Come for the kōrero, leave with new whakaaro!

The Line-up

June 12

The Power and Value of the Creative Economy

• 11:45 am 2:00 pm
• Mountain Club Beach Street (map)

Explore how regions like Queenstown Lakes can transform creative momentum into long-term economic and cultural value.

Creative Showcase at The Workshop

• 3:00 pm 5:00 pm
• The Workshop (map)

Head to The Workshop to explore projects that merge creativity, technology, and business impact.

Discover the local innovators and creative entrepreneurs are driving growth and empowering brands across industries.

June 13

The Power of Artist-Run Initiatives

• 9:00 am 11:00 am
• Lake Wānaka Centre (map)

Ready to make change? Discover how artist-run spaces are driving creative, connected communities. These grassroots hubs empower bold ideas, experimental work, and provide platforms that challenge the traditional.

The Business of Creativity

• 11:00 am 1:00 pm
• Lake Wānaka Centre (map)

In this session tourism development and experience design specialist Brad Rowe will walk you through the essential principles of visitor experience design and show you how to make every moment count.

Funding in Practice: The Practicalities of a Great Ask

• 11:00 am 1:00 pm
• Lake Wānaka Centre (map)

A hands-on workshop for individuals, groups and organisations who want to feel more confident and equipped when asking for funding.

Building on Funding Foundations in the Arts: Creative New Zealand

• 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
• Lake Wānaka Centre (map)

Unlock top tips for grant writing and career sustainability in the arts! Join Creative New Zealand as they share essential insights to help you grow and sustain your artistic career.

Building Your Narrative & Social Media

• 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
• Lake Wānaka Centre (map)

Social media can skyrocket your impact—but only if you have the right story and strategy. Learn how to create a brand that feels true to your practice and use storytelling to make digital platforms work for you.

Creative Speed-Dating Connecting Artists with Spaces

• 4:30 pm 5:30 pm
• Lake Wānaka Centre (map)

Creating new collaborations between artists, performers, venue owners, space makers, and creative thinkers.

June 14

Unlock Creative Potential Through Collaboration

• 9:00 am 11:00 am
• Te Atamira (map)

Take your practice to the next level! In this session, Nat Tozer will show you how artist-run spaces like Mothermother provide the freedom, resources, and community support you need to thrive.

The Business of Creativity

• 11:00 am 1:00 pm
• Te Atamira (map)

In this session tourism development and experience design specialist Brad Rowe will walk you through the essential principles of visitor experience design and show you how to make every moment count.

Funding in Practice: The Practicalities of a Great Ask

• 11:00 am 1:00 pm
• Te Atamira (map)

You are invited to join us for a hands-on workshop for individuals, groups and organisations who want to feel more confident and equipped when asking for funding

Building on Funding Foundations in the Arts: Creative New Zealand

• 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
• Te Atamira (map)

Top tips towards grant writing and career sustainability in the arts with Creative New Zealand.

Building Your Narrative & Social Media

• 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
• Te Atamira (map)

Explores how to shape a personal or creative brand that feels true to your practice

Creative Speed-Dating Connecting Artists with Spaces

• 4:30 pm 5:30 pm
• Te Atamira (map)

Creating new collaborations between artists, performers, venue owners, space makers, and creative thinkers.

Evening Celebration Country Lane - School House Studios

• 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
• Country Lane (map)

Don't miss out on an evening full of inspiration, fun, and connection! Meet talented local artists, dive into hands-on creative activities and explore the studios.

June 15

Open Studios and Creative Trails

• 10:00 am 3:30 pm
• Queenstown and Wānaka (map)

Explore the creative and cultural life of the Queenstown Lakes District.