He Rautaki Whakapakari Hapori, Toi, me te Ao Whānui
“Ruia taitea, ruia taitea, kia tū ko taikākā anake.”
Shake off the sapwood so that only the heartwood remains.
At TOHU, we centre ourselves in the taikākā — the strong and enduring essence of who we are as a Māori-led creative whānau. Everything begins with whakapapa, whenua, and wairua. Our stories rise from Tokaanu and the wider rohe of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, flowing outward across Aotearoa and into the world.
This strategic period focuses on strengthening our foundations through intergenerational creative development, hapū-led wānanga, contemporary performance practice, and long-term relationship building across communities, partners, and international networks.
Guided by co-leaders Anahera Irihau Patterson and Maia Atirau Patterson, TOHU seeks to create pathways where Māori creativity, leadership, and storytelling can thrive for generations to come.
Our Purpose
To tell original Māori stories through contemporary performance, movement, digital practice, and wānanga.
To strengthen Māori identity, confidence, and leadership through creative practice.
To create opportunities for rangatahi, emerging artists, and whānau to develop artistic and cultural capability.
To remain grounded in whakapapa and connected to our communities while building meaningful national and international relationships.
To contribute to Māori cultural revitalisation through bold, values-led artistic practice.
Ngā Mātāpono – Our Values
What it Means for TOHU
Auahatanga
Be bold, innovative, and visionary.
Manaaki Tangata
Care for people deeply and genuinely.
Mahi Tahi
Move collectively and uplift one another.
Mahi Pono
Work with integrity and honesty.
Mahi Tika
Let tikanga guide our decisions.
Mahi Aroha
Lead with passion, generosity, and heart.
“Ruia taitea, ruia taitea, kia tū ko taikākā anake.”
Shake off the sapwood so that only the heartwood remains.
At TOHU, we centre ourselves in the taikākā — the strong and enduring essence of who we are as a Māori-led creative whānau. Everything begins with whakapapa, whenua, and wairua. Our stories rise from Tokaanu and the wider rohe of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, flowing outward across Aotearoa and into the world.
This strategic period focuses on strengthening our foundations through intergenerational creative development, hapū-led wānanga, contemporary performance practice, and long-term relationship building across communities, partners, and international networks.
Guided by co-leaders Anahera Irihau Patterson and Maia Atirau Patterson, TOHU seeks to create pathways where Māori creativity, leadership, and storytelling can thrive for generations to come.
Our Purpose
To tell original Māori stories through contemporary performance, movement, digital practice, and wānanga.
To strengthen Māori identity, confidence, and leadership through creative practice.
To create opportunities for rangatahi, emerging artists, and whānau to develop artistic and cultural capability.
To remain grounded in whakapapa and connected to our communities while building meaningful national and international relationships.
To contribute to Māori cultural revitalisation through bold, values-led artistic practice.
Ngā Mātāpono – Our Values
What it Means for TOHU
Auahatanga
Be bold, innovative, and visionary.
Manaaki Tangata
Care for people deeply and genuinely.
Mahi Tahi
Move collectively and uplift one another.
Mahi Pono
Work with integrity and honesty.
Mahi Tika
Let tikanga guide our decisions.
Mahi Aroha
Lead with passion, generosity, and heart.