Ngā Puna Waihanga was a collective of Māori writers and artists who came together in the early 1970’s to build momentum around new directions in Māori arts and culture and share opportunities, knowledge inspiration and skills.
The group was first known as the New Zealand Māori Artists and Writers Society. The Society changed its name to Ngā Puna Waihanga in 1983.
The organisation formed around the national Māori artists and writers gathering. The idea was first discussed by Hone Tuwhare and Harry Dansey, and Taura Eruera in 1972. They had each been motivated in unsuccessful efforts to initiate national gatherings of their respective art forms, one for Māori artists and one for Māori writers so they combined their approach and assembled a planning committee in Auckland. Their joint application to establish a Māori artist and writers hui was successful.
Their next struggle was to find a marae to host the gathering. The problem was solved during a conversation between Hone Tuwhare and Para Matchitt when Para invited them to stay at his marae, Te Kaha-niu-a-tiki marae. By the time the location was confirmed, the planned event was only two months away.
The annual national hui was the cornerstone of the society, and what they were most well known for. Proceedings of the hui were broadcast on RNZ starting in 1978. Regional branches of the society facilitated workshops at schools and community venues. In its lifetime Ngā Puna Waihanga published Koru Magazine, Pingao and Māori Artists of the South Pacific. The society supported its artists to attend national and international exhibitions. They also connected artists and tangata whenua for restoration and construction of marae.
Name change
In 1984 the Society formally changed its name to Ngā Puna Waihanga. This change was significant and recognised that some Māori art forms such as oratory and performing arts were not encompassed by the terms ‘artists’ or ‘writers’ despite being highly valued and prominent Māori art forms.
The name, Ngā Puna Waihanga, the wellspring of creativity, was chosen because represents and encourages the many forms of Māori expression.
Winding down
In 1995 Te Waka Toi, the body through which Nga Puna Waihanga received most of its funding was disestablished. Ngā Puna Waihanga was offered a place under the Toi Māori umbrella but declined. The executive explains that the decision was made as the landscape for Māori arts had improved vastly since its conception in the 70’s.
Following this decision Nga Puna Waihanga shifted its focus to regional activity, with funds being sourced from local government. Activity at a local level would continue until as late as 2001.
Written by Aroha Witinitara (Ngāti Kahungungu ki Wairarapa) February 2025