Speak Out East (Community Poetry)

Speak out East is a community-driven project aimed at utilising unused wall spaces throughout Botany Town Centre to showcase poetry from various community groups. East Auckland is a culturally vibrant community reflected in groups of locals who are eager to express their background and get involved in the areas they live. The project invites our community cultural groups to represent their experiences of living out East in their native tongue, providing moments of reflection, fostering connections and inspiration for visitors to the centre.

Featured poems throughout Botany Town Centre:

• Half Moon Bay by Fu Jinzhi - on behalf of the Chinese community 

• Tōku Kuia - My Grandmother by Roimata Prendergast, Sally Ama, and Trina Lealavaa-Ama- on behalf of the Māori and Pasifika community

Speak Out East is a project delivered by Arts Out East generously supported by Botany Town Centre, Arts Out East, Te Tuhi and the Howick Local Board.

Learn Siva Afi - For Free in Pakuranga

Join us for Village Siva Afi, a free beginner workshop series introducing the exciting art of Siva Ailao Afi (fire knife dance). Open to ages 5 and up, these fun and engaging sessions are perfect for those who have never tried Siva Afi before.

Running across nine Saturdays from June to August at Pakuranga Leisure Centre, each workshop will teach the five basic Siva Afi moves, building towards a short performance routine by the end of the program. With support from Arts Out East, all registered participants will also receive a free practice stick to take home.

Workshops are led by award-winning tutors from Polynesian Entertainers, passionate about sharing this powerful cultural artform with the East Auckland community.

Spots are limited to 30 participants – registration is essential.
Workshops: Saturdays, June 7–August 30
Time: 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Venue: Pakuranga Leisure Centre

Register here before Thursday 28 May at 5pm.

Amo: Email / contact 021 023 00599

This is an Arts Out East Project in collaboration with the Howick Village Association. Arts Out East is supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board

Turning old into gold in Ormiston

This project aims to establish a safe, welcoming space where women from refugee and migrant backgrounds can come together to connect, share their stories, and engage in creative activities that honour their cultural identity, foster a sense of belonging, and build community.

The programme will be led by talented women who bring a wealth of knowledge and skills in art, embroidery, and textile work. These creative sessions will not only preserve cultural traditions but also offer opportunities for participants to develop new skills, build confidence, and explore their creativity in a supportive environment.

NFACT is working towards establishing a dedicated group in Ormiston, offering regular sessions where women can learn new techniques, share ideas, and eventually create a community-led mending and upcycling shop. As their skills grow, the women will have the opportunity to take on small projects, offering their talents back to the wider community.

This initiative will provide a vital opportunity for refugee and migrant women in East Auckland to connect, create, and thrive, ensuring they are empowered, supported, and celebrated as part of our community.

Visit Thursday 10th July 2025, from 11am - 1pm and fortnightly into 2026.

This was an Arts Out East project supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board

W: NFACT

Ink, Print, Play - with artist Jessie Kanji

These screen printing workshops are a series of hands-on workshop led by artist, researcher, and educator Jessie Kanji. The artist is offering a playful introduction to colour theory, pattern making, and the ancient craft of silkscreen printing. Taking place across the Howick Local Board area, the series includes three creative sessions using eco-friendly, water-based inks and a curated set of pre-exposed screens. Participants will have the chance to transform t-shirts, tote bags, or smooth fabric into wearable works of art. The first two workshops are tailored for adults (18+), focusing on screen-printing techniques, layering, and individual expression. The third session invites youth (12+) and families to join in, encouraging intergenerational creativity and shared making. Rooted in Kanji’s interdisciplinary printmaking practice, these free workshops are designed to foster community connection, creative exploration, and access to high-quality arts experiences. All skill levels are welcome, and materials will be provided, participants are also welcome to bring their own garments or fabric to print on.

Spots are limited – registration and booking fee is essential.

Workshop one: Sunday 20 July (18+)
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Venue: Ormiston Town Centre - Cultural Hub next to New World

Workshops two: Sunday 27 July (18+)
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Venue: Ormiston Town Centre - Cultural Hub next to New World

Workshops three: Saturday 9 August (12 +)
Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Captain Musick Air Scout Hall, 64 Pigeon Mountain Road, Halfmoon Bay, Auckland

Book by emailing Jessie , booking fee applies $15, workshops are free  

This is an Arts Out East Project in collaboration with the Howick Village Association. Arts Out East is supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board