Tell us about Mīharo Murihiku?

Mīharo is a Māori and Pasifika Cultural Arts Trust based in Murihiku, focusing on art, culture, education, and youth. We started back in 2009, when we launched the very first Murihiku Cultural Polyfest, and since then, we've been growing steadily.

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We do so much more now, from art exhibitions and awards to cultural performing arts festivals and youth mentoring programmes. We host workshops in both visual and performing arts, offer event management training, and really aim to create pathways for tamariki and rangatahi to connect with their culture and community.

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Our team began with just three full-timers, and now we've expanded to six, plus a whole network of leaders and volunteers who support our events. Most of our work is based in Invercargill, but I’m really excited about a new role recently created in Central Lakes - my role - where I get to bring these programmes and events to even more communities.

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At our heart, Mīharo is about empowering tamariki and rangatahi, helping them grow as leaders, and giving them that space to express and showcase their unique voices through arts and culture.

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Last year, you held an art exhibition and awards night at Te Atamira. What was the inspiration behind the theme “Legends of our Lands – Our people, our places, our stories”?

The theme was intentionally broad, allowing young artists to interpret it in any way they felt meaningful. Their perspectives are fresh and unfiltered, representing their own thoughts without heavy influence. They could interpret it through local surroundings, landscapes, family heroes, ancestors, or even broader cultural heritage - whether it be Māori, Pacific, or multicultural roots. We value this flexibility, as it allows a wide variety of stories and interpretations to come through.

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Were there any standout moments in gathering these stories or working with local talent?

Absolutely. When setting up, it’s amazing to see how the artwork transforms as it takes its place on the wall. For instance, we had pieces depicting mountain ranges Michelle Somer’s Te Atamira Arts Programme which found a spot by a window where you could look out and see similar landscapes, enhancing the experience. A Pacifica-themed wall was brought to life with vibrant colours that reminded me of our Pacific culture, especially stories like those from the Dawn Raids and the Polynesian Panthers. It was impactful to see how each work stood out individually and as part of the whole exhibit.

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How did attendees respond to seeing their cultural narratives presented in this way?

The exhibit was more than an achievement-it was a collective moment of connection, meaning and shared pride.

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Paul Leaaetoa - The Johnny Penisula The Supreme Award winner’s piece - a photograph capturing a young Tongan boy in a classroom setting, labelled “Be Confident”.  The image carried a profound narrative - one of presence, yet uncertainty.  It spoke to the experience of being a minority, of feeling out of place, of wanting to bend in while also yearning to belong.  The powerful storytelling, combined with the striking composition, made it a clear and deserving choice for the Supreme Award.  

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While he was undoubtedly proud to see his piece displayed, it was the reaction from others - especially his family, who had supported him throughout the journey that made the moment truly unforgettable, and those are the impactful moments we do this for!

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So what's next for you guys?

Polyfest 2024 saw a record breaking 2,000 people through the doors.

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Polyfest 2024 was a big milestone, with 2,000 people attending. Moving forward, we’re planning to be part of the Waitangi Commemorations and look forward to more collaborations and Events in Central Lakes.

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We’re also preparing for an exciting 2025. We’d love to bring theatre to Queenstown and create platforms for our communities to tell their stories. For example last year we enabled a play about the Dawn Raids that brought forward Tongan stories from Auckland’s 1980s - a part of history that’s rarely discussed to be showcased to Invercargill High Schools.

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Beyond that, we’re considering mentorship programs and scholarships and want to build up our capabilities before expanding further. Funding is crucial, so we aim to keep doing what we do well to secure our future growth and continue supporting our communities.