Ko te toi tō mātou punga
Art is our Anchor
Supporting 500+ people in mental health recovery through free, professional creative classes.
For someone struggling with mental health, creativity can become their lifeline. At Toi Ora, we provide free creative classes that don’t just teach new skills. They rewire brains, rebuild confidence, and save lives. For just $60, you can fund a two-hour class that offers hope and becomes a turning point in their wellbeing.
Meet Ross: From Crisis to Creativity
Ross joined Toi Ora during one of the darkest periods of his life. Watch how Toi Ora gave him purpose and community when he could have ‘sunk and gone the other way.’
Hundreds of tāngata whai ora (artists) transform their lives through our free creative programmes.
Donate now to keep creativity alive for those who need it most.
500+ tangata whaiora (artists)
rely on our 20+ creative classes monthly
Registration has doubled
in the past two years as word spreads
Mental health providers
see positive changes, increasing referrals
Just $60 per person
for a two-hour class vs $2,000 for a psychiatric hospital stay
Meet Aelinor: ‘it helped me regain my confidence’
Aelinor joined Toi Ora after a range of setbacks. Drama classes helped her regain her confidence and led to paid acting work.
Hundreds of tāngata whai ora (artists) transform their lives through our free creative programmes.
Donate now to keep creativity alive for those who need it most.
Our Impact in Numbers
Independent research by QWB Lab measured the real impact of our creative programmes:
52% Increase in Happiness
Participants reported significantly improved mood and life satisfaction
48% Reduction in Anxiety
Creative classes provide effective anxiety management tools
80% Benefited from Social Connection
Breaking isolation through shared creative experiences
80%+ Learned New Skills
Building confidence and capability through artistic development
“People came hoping to grow creatively—and they did—but what surprised them was how much it helped them feel connected. They found a safe space, somewhere they truly belonged. For those living with mental health struggles, that kind of space is rare. Just two hours in the class brought a sense of joy and calm that stayed with them for days.”
~ Susanne Ritzenhoff, Director of Toi Ora
These aren’t just numbers—they represent real people whose lives have been transformed. And with enrollment doubling, we need your support.
Meet Michael: ‘Toi Ora refocuses my attention’
Michael had to come to terms with a health diagnosis. While he did that, Toi Ora’s creative classes gave him something positive to look forward to each week, and something to refocus his attention.
Hundreds of tāngata whai ora (artists) transform their lives through our free creative programmes.
Donate now to keep creativity alive for those who need it most.
What our artists are saying
“After my brain injury, Toi Ora helped me change my attitude and my outlook on life. From my first visit, my attitude literally changed overnight because the programmes at Toi Ora have helped me to look at my new life from a whole new perspective!”
– Keith, Grey Lynn
“Through Toi Ora I was able to connect with people who were kind and respectful. I could also reconnect with my creativity and feel the joy and satisfaction this can bring. Gradually, through friends, family and Toi Ora I have been able to feel safer in the world. I have found trust and have been able to enjoy my daily activities again.”
– Juliet, Mt. Roskill
Together, we can ensure that creativity continues to transform and save lives.
We're experiencing a funding gap. With 500+ people now relying on our programmes, we need community support to maintain our current level of service. Your donation helps us continue providing free creative classes to those who need them.
$35 gives a week of tea & biscuits to fuel the creative journey.
$120 provides a guest facilitator for the class.
$200 frames the art for someone's first exhibition.
$300 supports Toi Ora’s outreach programmes.
$500 sponsors a daytime exhibition celebrating the work of Toi Ora artists.
$1,000 - $5,000 sponsors an evening exhibition uplifting tāngata whai ora with their community and whānau.
