Name given to Creative Bay of Plenty: Te Waka Auaha Toi

In 2023 Creative Bay of Plenty initiated a conversation with tangata whenua to establish a name to reflect our services in the creative sector, specifically in Tauranga Moana and the Western Bay district. ⁠Te Waka Auaha Toi is the name given to Creative Bay of Plenty by tangata whenua. The word ‘Waka’ translates to a customary canoe, yet metaphorically, ‘Te Waka’ conveys the notion of a vehicle which carries an idea, a message, or an aspiration forward.
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‘Auaha Toi’ places ‘Te Waka’ within the creative sector. ‘Te Waka Auaha Toi’ translates to the vehicle on which our creative sector is led and supported. Our aspiration is to advocate for a fully resourced creative sector that enables our creatives to thrive, and support connection and wellbeing in communities through cultural and creative expression. ⁠
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As an organisation, Creative Bay of Plenty | Te Waka Auaha Toi is developing relationships with tangata whenua and working with them to provide a range of services and resources. Our objective is to build the capability of iwi and hapū to respond to cultural and creative opportunities with resources and expertise to enable them to realise cultural aspirations and manifest their mana through creative and innovative initiatives. Creative Bay of Plenty | Te Waka Auaha Toi is honoured to have a name that speaks to deep and meaningful cultural expressions and a shared connection to the moana.⁠
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Our new logo, wordmark and tohu are designed by the incredible Zoë Brown. Creative Bay of Plenty acknowledges the thoughtfulness, care and innovation taken by Zoe throughout this process.⁠
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Creative Bay of Plenty also thanks TECT for their support in enabling us to undertake this process.