Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival is pleased to announce that multidisciplinary artist Ani-Piki Tuari will lead its next chapter as its new Artistic Director.
With strong East Coast roots, Ani-Piki (Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine, Tuhoe) brings extensive experience across music – from classical to new age, theatre, television, Kapa Haka, and Te Ao Māori – along with an unwavering belief in the region’s creative community.
“The potential within Te Tairāwhiti is huge and untapped, and I want to elevate that,” Tuari says.
“Te Tairāwhiti continues to prove it cultivates excellence. We’ve got Witi Ihimaera, Taika Waititi, Tā Derek Lardelli, Rob Ruha and Robyn Kahukiwa to name a few. All from small villages in our region.
“Now, it’s about asking: who’s next? How do we find and grow the next wave of exceptional talent?”
The 2025 festival ‘Rā season’ (Sept 26 – Oct 5) not only saw a record 18,000 visits to its Te Ara i Whiti interactive light trail, but signalled a new transition, kaupapa, and energy.
Not only in leadership, but in future opportunities to honour the festival’s legacy while charting a new and exciting course.
“Those before me built this kaupapa from the ground up to champion creativity in our community. That’s nothing short of remarkable,” Tuari says.
“Now we get to take that foundation and ask what’s our future? How can we take it further? The possibilities are incredible.
“This is about creating experiences that resonate locally and ripple outward – showcasing what makes Te Tairāwhiti unique and special.”
Tuari’s other work includes collaborations with internationally renowned artists including Tim Finn and the late Lee Tamahori, cultural institutions like Shakespeare’s Globe, and the groundbreaking production Whakapaupakihi – a seven-year project that became a landmark in musical theatre that debuted at the 2023 Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival.
Tuari’s immediate focus over the coming months involves connecting with creatives, funders, and the wider festival community in the lead-up to the 2026 festival season.
“Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival is about our community. Understanding what they want and need, and building something that we can all be proud of.”
