Gallery is centre of creative community
Toi Mahara gallery opens to fanfare
It was a spectacular weekend for the opening of Toi Mahara. Speaking at the event, I drew on a whakatauki (proverb). Whā ia te iti kahurangi ki te tū ohu koe me he maunga teitei
Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.
This whakatauki is about aiming high or for what is truly valuable, but it’s also about being persistent in the face of obstacles.
This gallery was indeed a lofty goal, and there were many obstacles, but we now have a new gallery with so many opportunities for creative expression.
Thanks to the many people who worked so long to make this happen — the trustees, the businesses, the artists, the donors, the community.
This is a gallery for the district. It’s the centre for our creative community, the home of the incredible Field Collection and a centre for all of the variety of arts and artists on the coast. It’s also a place where we will welcome artists and their creations from all over Aotearoa and internationally.
However, Mahara began as a community initiative, started by a brave group of Waikanae people who saw a need and worked and donated to make it happen.
As the gallery developed its offering, council recognised the crucial role it plays as the district gallery for Kā piti. The commitment to fund a third of the upgrade was recognition of that, and we’ve been thrilled to deliver this project for the community alongside the gallery.
Thanks to the design and construction teams. That this project was completed on budget and on time is testament to their professionalism and expertise.
This facility is a story of partnership, collaboration, determination, commitment and creativity. I look forward to this bold new chapter.
At the opening, the crowd gathered observed a moment’s silence for Sir Jon Trimmer, who passed away peacefully in Paekā kā riki last week. My thoughts are with his family and all who knew him. Thank you Sir Jon for your
kindness, energy, inspiration, vitality, artistry, effervescence and love. You will be missed by so many you have given so much to over your incredible life.