KAUPAPA
CITY CENTRE ACTIVATIONS
Toi Māori in motion – revitalisation Whakatū through the activation of Toi Māori.
Kōpū is helping lead a new wave of cultural activations that reframe our streets, walls, and walkways as platforms for identity, connection, and creative expression. This work is about building momentum, lifting the presence of tangata whenua culture in the everyday, and strengthening Whakatū Nelson’s creative infrastructure for the long term.
The activations are layered, agile, and intentional. Every intervention planned is an opportunity to shift the feel of the city. To tell our stories. To amplify toi Māori. And to bring new energy into overlooked spaces. Some installations will be bold and temporary; others permanent and quietly powerful – but all will be curated with care, and grounded in place.
We’re focused on designing activations that regenerate opportunities. That means leveraging partnerships, brokering funding, and creating pathways for Māori practitioners to lead, contribute, and grow. The mahi is relational – connecting with whānau, artists, institutions, and events to embed Māori presence across programming, commissioning and delivery.
Through this kaupapa, we’re reshaping the city’s visual and cultural landscape. These activations will help people see themselves in the streets around them. They’ll offer beauty, provocation, learning and light. And they’ll invite all of us to reimagine what a culturally confident, creative city can look and feel like – when identity is visible, when our culture is celebrated, and where Toi Māori helps revitalise the city centre.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
We’re building something extraordinary — and we want you with us.
Whether you’re a creative, a community member, or a potential partner, there are many ways to engage.