Our Story
Whare Hau Ako began with a friendship. Cindy and Keri have been friends since Teachers College, sharing a passion for creativity, te ao Māori and finding ways to bring people together through making, learning and connection.
During the COVID pandemic, they found themselves dreaming of something bigger. A welcoming creative space where people could gather, learn new skills, share stories and nurture their wellbeing. That dream became a reality in January 2025, when Whare Hau Ako was launched, taking workshops into the community while searching for the perfect place to call home.
During Matariki 2026, that vision came full circle as they opened the doors to their own whare. More than just a creative studio, it became a place of belonging. A warm and welcoming space where people can slow down, connect with others, embrace creativity, and experience the joy of learning together. Every corner of the whare reflects their passion for upcycling, community, and the belief that creativity has the power to strengthen wellbeing.
Whare Hau Ako is a place where the winds and breaths of learning and teaching flow freely. A space where creativity, culture, wellbeing and community come together, and where everyone is welcome to have a tutū, make something with their hands, and leave feeling inspired and connected.
Our Whare
When people walk into Whare Hau Ako, they feel that same sense of manaaki and connection that has been part of our story from the very beginning. There’s a special feel about the space. The whare carries the warmth of our kaupapa, shaped by our friendship, our shared love of creativity, sustainability, and our belief that teaching, learning and creating are central to the wellbeing of us all.
In the whare they will discover the creative resources that make our studio come alive. Shelves filled with paints, papers, inks, fabric, clay, raranga materials, natural fibres, printmaking tools, and upcycled treasures ready to be transformed. Every corner invites curiosity. A place to tutū, experiment, make with your hands, and rediscover the joy of mahi toi. Whether someone is weaving, sewing, drawing, designing, or simply exploring ideas, the studio offers endless ways to learn, play, and connect.
By the time people leave, they will leave as our whanau, carrying with them the same spark of inspiration, sense of belonging, and part of the same amazing group as us. Whare Hau Ako is more than a creative studio; it’s a place where wellbeing, culture, creativity, and community connection happens. A whare where stories are shared, friendships bloom, and people walk out the door knowing they belong.
Our Team
Cindy
Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Rangitāne Ki Wairarapa, Te Atiawa
Keri
Ngāpuhi [Ngāti Hineira, Te Uri Taniwha, Te Whiu, Ngai Tawake ki te Tuawhenua, Ngāti Rēhia]
Cass
Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Rangitāne Ki Wairarapa, Te Atiawa, Initonia
Tyler
Te Kawarau Ā Maki, Ngāpuhi
I loved having the opportunity to reconnect with my creativity. I never make time for myself.
Anonymous
On Friday we welcomed Whare Hau Ako into the Hub for a morning of tukutuku, pūrākau, whakapapa, and deep connection. We are so grateful for the way they spoke life over our whānau. It was a chill, intentional start to the day. Creating and connecting as mana wahine is the heartbeat of our kaupapa.
Glenavon Community Hub
There’s nothing quite like this available in the community
Anonymous