Whakatāne District Council Announces New Creative Hub: Ātea

Photo: Supplied - Whakatāne District Council

The Whakatāne District Council has announced the development of a new creative and community space, Ātea.

This exciting project is a collaboration between the Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust, artist Tame Iti, and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, located in the iconic Wally Sutherland Building on The Strand.

Envisioned as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, Ātea aims to bring back some life into the cherished local site. The initiative will be supported by a robust strategic plan and a significant contribution of volunteer time and expertise already secured.

Council’s General Manager of Community Experience, Alexandra Pickles, says the partnership aligns with the Council’s vision for a dynamic creative enterprise.

“Through the Registration of Interest process, Council recognised Te Ahi Tahutahu as an exceptional partner. They bring together the internationally-recognised artistic excellence of Tame Iti, a proven track record in delivering major cultural projects, and authentic local connections to the Whakatāne District that champion ngā toi Māori,” she said.

The plan is, that Ātea will serve as a key part of the Council’s Constellation Creative Hub. Which is a distributed network of creative spaces designed to inspire and support creativity across the district.

The project will work in tandem with institutions like Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi and Te Whare Taonga o Taketake, further positioning Whakatāne as a nationally significant cultural destination.

It is expected to deliver meaningful social, cultural, and economic benefits.

Councillor Wilson James, Chairperson of the Living Together Committee, said that the collaboration reflects the Council’s strategic goals.

“It demonstrates how Council can create opportunities that enable community-led innovation and excellence—authentic cultural development that celebrates our diverse heritage and strengthens our collective community identity while attracting visitors from across New Zealand and beyond. I see this as a hub of creativity for our whole community,” James said.

Project lead Toi Iti describes Ātea as a catalyst for regional growth.

“Ātea will be a space where many creative disciplines are practiced side-by-side, from ngā toi Māori and digital arts to performance and visual arts. This allows for the cross-pollination of ideas, which is the heart of innovation,” says Iti.

“I know many people think of the arts as a fluffy 'nice to have', but the reality is a vibrant creative sector isn't a luxury; it's a powerful driver of innovation, wellbeing, and productivity for the entire Eastern Bay of Plenty.”

Debbie Hyland, Chair of the Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust, highlights the collective effort behind the initiative.

“The Trust was founded on collaboration, and Ātea is the physical embodiment of that vision. Ātea will be a welcoming space for everyone to engage with the arts, to innovate, and to build our collective future.”

While still in its early stages, the Whakatāne District Council plans to release more information about timelines, programming, and the official opening in the coming months.