A new chapter for the arts and community in Whakatāne is set to begin with the announcement of Ātea, a dynamic creative hub to be established at 266 The Strand, the iconic building formerly known as Wally Sutherland.
The project is being spearheaded by Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust, a collaboration between Tame Iti Limited and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
Ātea, will be a place for innovation, collaboration, and community connection, breathing new life into a cherished local landmark. The initiative is underpinned by a robust strategic plan and a significant commitment of volunteer time and expertise already secured.
Whakatāne District Council is proud to support Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust in bringing Ātea to life.
Alexandra Pickles, General Manager Community Experience, explains that the partnership fulfils Council's vision for a high-profile creative enterprise to bring the iconic Wally Sutherland building to life.
"Through the Registration of Interest process, Council recognised Te Ahi Tahutahu as an exceptional partner. They bring together the internationally-recognised artistic excellence of Tame Iti, a proven track record in delivering major cultural projects, and authentic local connections to the Whakatāne District that champion ngā toi Māori.”
With 266 The Strand as their canvas, Ātea will transform the building into something extraordinary, serving as a cornerstone of the Constellation Creative Hub, Council's innovative distributed network of creative spaces designed to foster creativity across the district.
This multi-faceted initiative will work alongside Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi and Te Whare Taonga o Taketake to position Whakatāne as a nationally significant cultural destination, creating a must-see experience that provides significant social, cultural, and economic benefits.
Councillor Wilson James, Living Together Committee Chairperson, emphasises that the collaboration embodies Council's strategic framework.
"It demonstrates how Council can create opportunities that enable community-led innovation and excellence - authentic cultural development that celebrates our diverse heritage and strengthens our collective community identity while attracting visitors from across New Zealand and beyond.
"I see this as a hub of creativity for our whole community," Mr James says.
Project lead, Toi Iti says Ātea will be a catalyst for regional growth.
"Ātea will be a space where many creative disciplines are practiced side-by-side - from ngā toi Māori and digital arts to performance and visual arts. This allows for the cross-pollination of ideas, which is the heart of innovation," says Iti.
"I know many people think of the arts as a fluffy 'nice to have', but the reality is a vibrant creative sector isn't a luxury; it's a powerful driver of innovation, wellbeing, and productivity for the entire Eastern Bay of Plenty."
Debbie Hyland, Chair of the Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust, highlighted the collaborative support for the project.
"The Trust was founded on collaboration, and Ātea is the physical embodiment of that vision. Ātea will be a welcoming space for everyone to engage with the arts, to innovate, and to build our collective future."
The building at 266 The Strand holds a special place in the history of Whakatāne as Wally Sutherland, and its transformation into Ātea marks a new era of community and creativity for the landmark site.
Further details regarding the opening and programming for Ātea will be announced in the coming months.