Te Tuhi

Te Tuhi. A vibrant hub of contemporary art, nestled in Pakuranga, Auckland. But did you know its roots trace back to a humble garden shed in the early 1960s? Te Tuhi’s journey began with the Pakuranga Arts Society, a group of local women who shared a passion for art. They nurtured this passion, holding meetings and fostering creativity in their makeshift space. This dedication blossomed, and in 1975, Te Tuhi emerged as New Zealand’s first purpose-built arts centre. The name “Te Tuhi,” meaning “The Mark,” was a gift from the local iwi (tribe) Ngāi Tai. The name connects the gallery to the legend of Manawatere, a Māori voyager who left his mark, or “tuhi,” on a pōhutukawa tree. This tree, though now unmarked, still stands in Cockle Bay, a silent testament to this early explorer. Today, Te Tuhi thrives as a dynamic space showcasing both local and international contemporary art. Supported by the Te Tuhi Contemporary Art Trust, Auckland Council, and the Contemporary Art Foundation, it offers a diverse range of exhibitions. These exhibitions, free and open to the public, invite visitors to experience art that is locally engaged and internationally ambitious. In 2017, Te Tuhi received the Exhibition Excellence award for its thought-provoking exhibition, “Share, Cheat, Unite.” Between 2017 and 2018, Te Tuhi welcomed an impressive 175,000 visitors, including 5,500 students, hosted 15 exhibitions, commissioned 11 artworks, and facilitated over 150 workshops and 30 seminars. Te Tuhi stands as more than just a gallery. It is a testament to community spirit, a vibrant hub for creativity, and a living mark on Auckland’s cultural landscape.