Te Puna Creative Hub in Te Kōpua Henderson has officially opened its doors with its first open studio, marking a bold new chapter for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s creative innovation sector.
A significant milestone in a partnership between Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the region’s economic and cultural agency on behalf of Auckland Council and Te Kawerau ā Maki, a mana whenua authority for Te Kōpua Henderson, the hub is part of Te Puna Creative Innovation Quarter, a new centre for screen, media, digital and creative technology, art, game development, music, and performing arts in Henderson.
Robin Taua-Gordon, Chair of Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust and Co-Chair for Te Puna Creative Innovation Quarter Establishment Group says the new hub, which offers creative businesses and the local community access to world-class resources and training opportunities, shows the power of Māori-led partnership.
"The launch of Te Puna Creative Innovation Quarter is a testament to the strength of Māori-led partnership and collaboration. This innovative hub is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal, and I'm proud to see the positive impact it will have on the local community and creative businesses alike.
This is a kaupapa, project, that truly demonstrates the power of whakapapa, ancestral connections, and the importance of preserving and advancing our unique cultural identity.
Central to the evening was the blessing of the Te Puna Creative Hub mauri stone, shared with more than 200 guests from across iwi, the creative and innovation industries, and the public sector, acknowledging the spiritual foundation of the initiative and anchoring and protecting the space and kaupapa. Attendees also had the opportunity to experience exhibits and activations ranging from new creative technology tools to short films and video games.
Pam Ford, Director of Economic Development at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says the initiative is an example of a place-based economic development, vital to Henderson’s future.
“For many years, Henderson had a strong manufacturing presence, however in the past 20 years, only 200 jobs have been added to central Henderson. This is a massive loss for Henderson’s people, especially rangatahi, and why Te Puna Creative Innovation Quarter, with the hub at its heart, is so important to catalyse new growth in jobs and training,” says Pam Ford.
Te Puna Creative Hub builds on Henderson’s rich history of industry, innovation, and creativity.
“Tāmaki Makaurau is home to New Zealand’s largest creative industries presence, employing more than 58,000 people and generating $9.5 billion in GDP in 2024. West Auckland has long contributed to this, being home to many creative enterprises including Auckland and Kumeu Film Studios, Studio West, Corban Estate Arts Centre, Te Pou Theatre, Viva La Dirt League, Grinding Gear Games, and more,” says Pam Ford.
As a Māori economic innovation hub, Te Puna Creative Hub provides a range of Māori programmes with a focus on training, skills development and business growth to open career pathways for mana whenua and mātāwaka in the creative innovation sectors.
“Thanks to Auckland Council’s Māori Outcome Fund, we’ve already launched initiatives in venue and event technician training; digital content and podcast production; video game development; and cultural competency for the screen sector when filming on sites of significance to Te Kawerau ā Maki,” says Pam Ford.
Located in the former Whoa! Studios building on Henderson Valley Road, Te Puna Creative Hub features adaptable spaces and cutting-edge technology including a159 seat multi-functional digital theatre, a 466sq m black box studio, sound and podcast suites, offices, and a hireable boardroom.
It is also home to a growing community of creative tenants including Crescendo, a social enterprise started by Blindspott’s Marcus Powell that mentors rangatahi and Click Studios, a creative co-working space hosting a range of creative industries professionals.
Pam Ford says the inaugural Te Puna Creative Hub open studio is an important milestone in a partnership between Te Kawerau ā Maki, the public sector and industry.
“The journey began in November 2023 at Te Pou Theatre with the launch of the Te Puna Creative Innovation Quarter vision. Today, Te Puna Creative Hub is the first step in bringing that vision to life, thanks to the dedication and hard work of many.”