Around The Table

What does it mean to feel safe enough to create? In this episode of Around the Table, host Arpége Taratoa is joined by creatives Lisa Rooney and Ayesha Kee, who share their journeys building inclusive, intentional spaces for creative expression. From sapphic pop-ups and drag shows to kaupapa Māori arts festivals and DJ booths, they reflect on the importance of emotional and cultural safety in unlo...

In this special NZ Music Month episode, host Arpége Taratoa is joined by musician and educator Elisha Fa’i So’oialo, singer-songwriter Lizzy Kula, and Creative Bay of Plenty’s own Rose Treadwell for an intimate kōrero exploring the powerful relationship between music and wellbeing. The guests share stories of how music shapes identity, connects communities, and supports healing — for artists, stud...

In this mouthwatering episode of Around The Table, Arpége Taratoa speaks with culinary creatives Malika Ganley, Adele Hall, and Scott Featherstone, exploring the world of the Flavours of Plenty Festival. Get an insider’s look at how daring dish ideas are born from collaboration, experimentation, and a passion for food. Enjoy candid stories about kitchen creativity and the artful science behind bee...

In this powerful episode of Around The Table, host Arpége Taratoa is joined by Arohanoa Mathews, Nadia Marychurch, and Max Yeager to explore Reindigenising Creativity and the vital role of mātauranga Māori in the arts. They discuss the journey of reconnecting with whakapapa, the significance of whenua in artistic practice, and the responsibility of Māori artists in storytelling and sustainability....

This episode explores the intersection of nature and creativity—how their unpredictability and interconnection benefit our wellbeing and shape one another. Kim Fifield is an artist using natural materials like algae-based bioplastics and root systems in her sustainable art practice. Emily Arnold is a passionate flower grower from Turntable Hill Farm. She shares how her love for dahlias and storyte...

Host Arpége Taratoa chats with local authors Lee Murray, Charlotte Lobb, and Donna Goodacre, all of whom feature at the Escape Festival in Tauranga from 18-20 October 2024. Discover Charlotte’s insights from her debut novel Hannah & Huia, aimed at reducing mental health stigma; Donna’s journey with Finding Miriama, a historical novel born from a family project; and Lee’s exploration of speculative...

Art can take heavy, complex subjects and translate them into something more digestible for the masses; it is such a powerful tool for social change. In this episode, host Arpége Taratoa chats with three creatives—Ria Hall, Sian Evans, and Ana Mendina—who discuss how art can serve as a medium for communicating important historical narratives and creating deeper understanding; how important it is to...

We explore the profound connections and stories behind public art with artists Kell Sunshine, Graham Hoete (Mr G), and Maraea Timutimu. Hear about the power of visual storytelling to connect with Aotearoa New Zealand’s whenua and rangatahi, essential tools and strategies for artists to align with clients and the practicalities of different materials, and the balance between aspirational projects a...

In this episode we delve into the world of AI, creative arts, and storytelling. Our host Arpége Taratoa leads a kōrero with artist Kereama Taepa, filmmaker Rob Morgenstern, and leading advocate for Māori in technology, Lee Timutimu. The panel explore how technology is reshaping creative expression and storytelling in Aotearoa. From the transformative potential of AI in visual storytelling to the e...

Tuatara Collective - Jason Te Mete Ari Grant - Coaching Jennie Halliday - Arts For Therapy

In this episode, new host Arpége Taratoa speaks with Amelia Walters and Beau White on the intersection of creativity, fashion, and queerness. Beau shares his personal journey with Transcend Garments and how fashion intersects with his identity as a queer individual. Amelia reflects on her colourful upbringing in Brighton and the culture shift she experienced moving to Tauranga. All three discuss t...

Step into the minds of the visionary leaders driving the revival of Tauranga’s city centre. We sit down with Sonya Korohina, (Director of Tauranga Art Gallery ), Rachelle Duffy ( Little Big Events , Our Place Magazine ), and Greg McManus, (Director of Museums ), as they discuss the grand plans to reshape Tauranga’s city centre. It’s a nod to the transformative power of civic leadership – and to th...

Mount Maunganui local Billie Scott got her first camera aged ten. Although she was passionate about photography, she didn't believe it could be a career and pursued science instead. Eventually spotting a gap in the market for videographers, she decided to take the plunge, teaching herself everything she needed to know. Today, Billie balances her need for a fast-paced lifestyle between creativity a...

Esraa Muse doesn't like putting her art in boxes, but some people call her a rockstar in a garden - pretty with an edge - which also describes her singing style. This is a powerful discussion of striving for your dreams in spite of pain.

Paora Tiatoa (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Raukawa) is a visual artist and print maker who specialises in three print formats: abstract multi-pass hand screenprinting; inkjets; and a combination of these which Paora has named jetscreening. Working out of his 40ft shipping container studio on Matakana Island, Paora's work is exhibited in spaces across the motu, including The Poi Room, Turua Gallery and Ora Gall...

Nicol Sanders O’Shea’s first job was tutoring printmaking at Elam, and her art journey has been life-long ever since. Working as an art educator at Toi Ohomai, Nicol wants to see more public art around our city, funded art residencies, and big annual arts events. We think she’s spot on.

Actress Kataraina Howden-Borell stars in the 2022 television series Beyond the Veil. Listen to her kōrero with presenter Tihini Grant about the importance of te reo Māori on our screens. Creative Bay of Plenty and Film Bay of Plenty are honoured to present three episodes in te reo Māori in celebration of Te Wiki o te reo Māori for The Creative Patapatai Project. ⁠ These episodes were recorded at T...

Te Manawa Tumoana (Te Puke) is currently working as a production assistant at Waka Huia, an archival TV series recording the unique stories and histories of Māori for all New Zealanders. Creative Bay of Plenty and Film Bay of Plenty are honoured to present three episodes in te reo Māori in celebration of Te Wiki o te reo Māori for The Creative Patapatai Project. ⁠ These episodes were recorded at T...

Hemana Waaka, the world's first sports commentator to present in te reo Maori, speaks with Tihini Grant about inspiring audiences through embracing the language. Creative Bay of Plenty and Film Bay of Plenty are honoured to present three episodes in te reo Māori in celebration of Te Wiki o te reo Māori for The Creative Patapatai Project. ⁠ These episodes were recorded at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o te...

Ross Murray is influenced by a combination of comic books and vintage advertising. He’s created artwork for clients such as Lonely Planet, NASA, Disney, Apple, Rolling Stone Magazine, The Washington Post, Garage Project, and The Spinoff. Part of his work involves re-watching Disney princess movies. Yes, we’re jealous.

Nick Newman lives and breathes live music. You’d be hard pressed to find someone more passionate about bringing something to stage that no one’s seen before. We can’t predict what Nick will produce next, which is the beauty of it. Explore his project Satellite Sessions and stay tuned for upcoming gigs.

Artist Rolph Hediger is currently developing his project ‘For Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven’, a collection of interviews and portraits of various people from all walks of life which showed at Tauranga Art Gallery. We chat with Rolph about artist-run spaces, van Gogh, and working as an English language teacher. There’s a significant thread running through Rolph’s answers: he values people – meeti...

Special Studio‘s goal is simple: use waste plastic to make new things and clean up the planet. Studio owner Matt Watkins brings his most fundamental values to the work he does, locally manufacturing homeware objects using at least 98 per cent recycled plastic waste. Matt chats to Remaker's Steph Brooke in this episode on sustainable creativity.

Get to know Jolene James, local media personality and a bit of a creative legend. We sat down with our favourite Tauranga radio host to learn about a typical day in her busy life, her musical youth, and what she loves about the Bay’s geographic landscape.