Event Details
Maungarongo Te Kawa - Visiting Artist Programme 2026–27
6, 7, 14, 27, 28 November, 10am – 2.30pm | Free, no booking required. Stay for the day or just drop in.
This November, we welcome Woodville based artist Maungarongo (Ron) Te Kawa (Ngāti Porou) to Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga as our Visiting Artist for 2026–27. Supported by Creative New Zealand, the Visiting Artist Programme gives artists time and space to develop new ideas while creating opportunities for our community to connect, learn and make alongside them.
Ron is a takatāpui Māori textile artist known for his vibrant, intricately stitched quilts and textile sculptures. Drawing on whakapapa, te ao Māori, identity and belonging, his work brings together colour, texture and storytelling in joyful and unexpected ways. During his residency in Hastings, Ron will be developing new work for a solo exhibition at the Gallery, opening on 20 February 2027. At the heart of the exhibition will be a colourful waharoa, or entranceway, created with the help of the Hawke’s Bay community.
Help create something for Heretaunga
Ron is inviting the community to join him in making the waharoa, which will celebrate Heretaunga, its people and the stories that connect us. Come along to one of the free drop in sewing workshops and spend some time creating alongside Ron. No previous sewing or artistic experience is needed, and you can stay for the whole session or drop in whenever suits. There will be plenty of colour, texture and sparkle involved, with all sewing materials provided. You’re also welcome to bring your own sewing machine if you have one.
Got fabric or sparkle to share?
We’re also looking for colourful and interesting materials to help bring the waharoa to life.
We’re after things such as:
• old clothes, blankets and suits
• colourful fabrics, wedding dresses, and textiles
• feathers and beads
• braids, ribbons and trims
• sequins and other sparkly materials
• unusual items such as lampshades
If you have something colourful, textured, sparkly or simply too good to throw away, we’d love to hear from you. Materials can be dropped off at the Gallery, or contact us if you need help arranging a pick up. The completed waharoa will become part of Ron’s exhibition at Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga, opening 20 February 2027.
Come along, get creative, share stories and help make something that celebrates Heretaunga and its people.