Creative Writing Workshops

Guided by kaupapa of manaakitanga and whakawhanaungatanga, we aim to nurture each voice in ara poutama facilities, and in community spaces. Through shared words and deep listening, these hui ignite creativity, strengthen confidence, and weave connections to our stories, our people, and this whenua.

Remote Booklet Facilitation

Designed for flexibility and accessibility, these curated resources include prompts, exercises, and tips to nurture creativity at each participant's own pace. Perfect for corrections, community groups, and individuals, our booklets make writing an engaging and supported journey, even from a distance.

Taiohi Inside – Pukapuka Launch

Supported by Penguin Random House, Taiohi Inside is an anthology of prose and poetry by 21 rangatahi from Te Kāhui Creative Writing Programme at Mt Eden Corrections Facility (2020-21), now shared with communities, libraries, and readers across Aotearoa.

About Us

At Te Kāhui Creative Writing Programme, we provide a platform for rangatahi to explore their creativity and share their stories. Through workshops, publications, and community initiatives, we amplify the voices of young people across Aotearoa.

History

Te Kāhui, our ongoing creative expression programme for rangatahi in Corrections and underserved communities across Aotearoa, continues to create spaces to connect with inspiring young storytellers. The team is facilitated by award-winning creatives; Ruby Macomber, Sherry Zhang, Eric Soakai, and Phodiso Dintwe.With the support from Manatū Taonga Ministry of Culture and Heritage multi-year Creative Spaces funding and RFP funding through the Ministry of Justice, Te Kāhui have engaged with over 30 correctional facilities and community spaces, and served over 300 rangatahi in the past year alone. This included a series of wānanga held in different PHAB facilities, to engage directly with rangatahi that span a broad spectrum of disability. The engagement of non-verbal participants prompted our facilitation team to expand the ways they explored creative expression, from a solely written form to more tactile forms of expression, incorporating objects and materials to engage those less interested in traditional writing. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience for both participants and the facilitators.Further, Te Kāhui has been entrusted to lead the Corban Estate Arts Centre WORD-UP wānanga series for 2024. This kaupapa connects West Auckland rangatahi to diverse modalities of accessible creative expression.This year, Te Kāhui are excited to facilitate more frequent kanohi-ki-te-kanohi wānanga in Correctional Facilities as far south as Christchurch Women’s Prison.

Team

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whakapā mai

Pātai atu! (Ask away!) We're a tiny team with big passion, and we love connecting with fellow story-lovers. For inquiries about workshops, resources, or partnerships, drop us a line anytime.

"Te Kāhui plays an invaluable role in the lives of rangatahi across Aotearoa, offering transformative opportunities for self-reflection, emotional growth, and creative expression. As the arts in Corrections Advisor for Arts Access Aotearoa, I have a deep understanding of the profound impact that the arts can have on individuals, especially those in challenging circumstances, and Te Kāhui's work stands as a shining example of the positive change that can be achieved through arts-based programmes."– Neil Wallace (Arts in Corrections Advisor, Arts Access Aotearoa)