A new chapter for the arts and community in Whakatāne is set to begin with the announcement of Ātea, a dynamic creative hub to be established in the former Wally Sutherland building on The Strand.

The project is being spearheaded by Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust, a collaboration between Tame Iti Ltd and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

Ātea, will be a place for innovation, collaboration, and community connection, breathing new life into a cherished local landmark. The initiative is underpinned by a robust strategic plan and a significant commitment of volunteer time and expertise already secured.

Whakatāne District Council is supporting Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust in bringing Ātea to life.

Alexandra Pickles, general manager community experience, said the partnership fulfilled the council’s vision for a high-profile creative enterprise to bring the iconic building to life.

“Through the Registration of Interest process, the 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.”

Ātea will transform the building into something extraordinary, serving as a cornerstone of the Constellation Creative Hub, an innovative network of creative spaces designed to foster creativity across the district.

Mrs Pickles said the multi-faceted initiative would work alongside Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi and Te Whare Taonga o Taketake to position Whakatāne as a nationally significant cultural destination, creating a must-see experience that provided significant social, cultural, and economic benefits.

Councillor Wilson James, Living Together Committee chairperson, said the collaboration demonstrated how the council could create opportunities that enabled community-led innovation and excellence.

“I see this as a hub of creativity for our whole community,” Mr James said.

Project lead Toi Iti expects Ātea to be a catalyst for regional growth.

“Ātea will be a space where many creative disciplines are practised 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,” he said.

“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.”

Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust chair Debbie Hyland said the trust was founded on collaboration, and Ātea was 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.”

Further details regarding the opening and programming for Ātea will be announced in the coming months.