Our Stories.
Our Arts.
Our Place.
We’re transforming how our city looks, feels, and tells its story.
WHY KŌPŪ
Māori art and identity are under-represented in the public spaces of Whakatū.
Kōpū is our collective iwi-led response — a campaign and delivery model that centres iwi leadership, builds creative momentum, and makes room for transformation.
OUR VISION
We imagine a Whakatū where:
Toi Māori is visible and celebrated in our shared spaces
Our rich whakapapa is expressed through art, design, and experience
The built environment reflects who we are and where we come from
This is a movement to embed mana, meaning, and identity into the urban fabric of our rohe.
Backed by iwi, supported by Council, and inspired by our stories, Kōpū sets out to:
Increase the visibility of toi Māori
Secure new opportunities and investment
Deliver iwi-led cultural projects that uplift our city and people
WHAT DOES KŌPŪ MEAN?
Ko Kōpū te kaitō i te awatea
Kōpū precedes the dawn.
Kōpū is best known as Venus as a morning star — the sign of a new day approaching.
It carries the symbolism of transition, transformation, and the promise of light on the horizon.
Kōpū draws its identity from He Tātai Whetū – the constellation of stars that represents our collective creative and cultural strategy for Whakatū.
Where He Tātai Whetū is the wider constellation and strategy, Kōpū is the bright light that signals a new era — an era where toi Māori takes centre stage.
This kaupapa is our haeata - where artists, storytellers, and leaders chart a bold new path for Whakatū. Tukua te haeata!
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
We’re delivering a series of major activations and projects leading up to Te Matatini 2027
Mehemea ko Kōpū e rere ana i te pae
Beauty is like Kōpū rising above the horizon
NEWS
WHO IS INVOLVED?
The eight tangata whenua iwi of Te Tauihu are collectively leading Kōpū. Iwi Chief Executives have assumed responsibility and oversight of the programme, with a dedicated project governance group ‘Ringa Tohu’ as a subcommittee of the Iwi CE Forum.
Members of Ringa Tohu include Justin Carter, Hemi Sundgren, Shane Graham, and Darren Ngaru-King.
Project management is situated with the Delivery Partner O’D&Co, led by Johny O’Donnell. Ringa Rau, the project team, is a wider network of people involved in delivery including Dina-Marie Kahaialii, Rōpata Taylor, Fayne Robinson, Tyrone Ohia, Casey Anderson and Kat Duggan.
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.