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| Kia ora e te whānau, Matariki is a special time of the year. The rising of the Pleiades star cluster, heralds the Māori New Year, signifying new beginnings and the chance to set positive intentions for the year ahead. So, this time of Matariki is a great opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and renewal. At Toi Ora, artists spend time improving their skills, whether it be writing, singing, guitar, painting, or drawing, it is a process of learning. Their creations are tangible, yet, the journey Toi Ora artists embark on is less visible and as important as the artwork itself. Learning to draw is learning to see and observe. What are we seeing? Which marks end up on the painting? How do we choose one over the other? Is it a choice? Do we consciously choose each step? What happens in this space? Philosophically, what happens represents varied and beautiful experiences. Scientifically, what is happening is the tremendous development of new neural pathways and shifts for mental wellbeing. At Toi Ora, we’ve uplifted the power of the creative process for over 25 years because it encourages us to be mindful and connect with our senses through our artistic endevours. We become more aware of how we work and can build invaluable insights. This is what we carry forward with us as we welcome both Matariki and the beginning of Term 3 next week. With best wishes to you and your loved ones. Ngā mihi nui,  Susanne Ritzenhoff Director |
Tutor Spotlight – Daniel Larsen-Barr
Daniel Larsen-Barr - Poetry Writing and Performance Tutor Daniel is our Poetry Writing and Performance tutor. He has been with Toi Ora for around a decade. He is of Ngāti Apakura descent. Although he describes himself as a fairly reclusive person, Daniel says Toi Ora...
