1. Kaupapa / Purpose
Aria Designs – About us, as us, for us, exists to deliver kaupapa Māori visual art programs inclusive to Tamaariki, Rangatahi, Kaumātua, and disabled communities to support Hauora – He Whare Tapa Wha, health and well-being.
Toi Mauri exists in response to parents of artistic Rangatahi seeking creative support/mentoring to empower the emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical wellbeing of their Tamaariki/Rangatahi – through their love of art.
Toi Ora exists to support Tangata, facing mental health challenges. Delivering visual art experiences that encourage self-reflection, healing, and connection. This Kaupapa is inclusive of Kaumatua effected by Alzheimer’s delivering activities designed to support neurological/brain functions and social interaction.
Tu Mana Ako exists to support whanau of the disabled community with creative experiences that enhance sensory abilities, support spatial intelligence, and develop self-expression and self-awareness.
The restoration and revitalisation of cultural identity, unique to Whangaroa is at the heart of Aria Designs. All learning content is derived from both a traditional and contemporary Whangaroa context.
Ko Au – Pepeha and Whakapapa, Te Taio – kaitiakitanga/connection to whenua and moana, Purakau – for human experience, Taonga tuku iho – for genetic memory.
I exist to deliver this Kaupapa after years of dedication to developing this kaupapa with a determined belief in the healing qualities of the creative process – derived from my own hauora experience. At this stage of Aria designs professional development, I am confident the kaupapa is ready to be shared with the community it belongs too – About us, as us, for us.
2. Legal & Organisational Structure
Aria Designs is currently in the process of completing registration to establish Aria designs Ltd with profits reinvested into the people/community.
Support networks include: Community of Whangaroa and Te Runanga O Whangaroa.
3. Project Design: Services
| Toi Mauri – Rangatahi | ||||||
| Duration 2025 | Weekly hrs | Venue | Partner agency | Participants | ||
| Feb – Dec | 8 | Te Pokapu | Te Runanga o Whangaroa | 12 | ||
| Toi Mauri – Home school support | ||||||
| Sept – Dec | 5 | Omaunu Rd | Private | 1 | ||
| Tumanaako – Special needs | ||||||
| July – Dec | 5 | Whare Toi – Kaeo | NorthAble | 1 | ||
| Toi Ora – Adult Hauora | ||||||
| Sept – Dec | 6 | Te Pokapu | TROW | 10 | ||
| Toi Ora – Elderly Hauora | ||||||
| Oct– Dec | 6 | Kaeo Rugby Club | TROW | 20 | ||
| Total hours (includes admin) | 30 | 44 total participants | ||||
Project design – Products
| Paintings on canvas | 5 | Whare Toi – Residential art studio | Private | 1 |
| Printing designs | 5 | Whare Toi | Private and collaborative | 1 |
| Total hours | 10 |