New artistic director Ani-Piki Tuari to shape future of Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival

Multidisciplinary artist Ani-Piki Tuari has been appointed artistic director of Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival. She is committed to growing the next wave of exceptional talent in the region.

Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival has appointed multidisciplinary artist Ani-Piki Tuari to lead the next chapter as its new artistic director.

With strong East Coast roots, Tuari (Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine, Tuhoe) brings extensive experience across music - from classical to new age, theatre, television, kapa haka, and te ao Māori - along with an unwavering belief in the region’s creative community, a Te Tairāwhiti media release said.

“The potential within Te Tairāwhiti is huge and untapped, and I want to elevate that,” Tuari said.

“Te Tairāwhiti continues to prove it cultivates excellence. We’ve got Witi Ihimaera, Taika Waititi, Tā Derek Lardelli, Rob Ruha and Robyn Kahukiwa to name a few ... all from small villages in our region.

“Now, it’s about asking who’s next? How do we find and grow the next wave of exceptional talent?”

The 2025 festival, Rā season, not only saw a record 18,000 visits to its Te Ara i Whiti interactive light trail, but signalled a new transition, kaupapa and energy, a festival spokesperson said.

“Not only in leadership, but in future opportunities to honour the festival’s legacy while charting a new and exciting course.

“Those before me built this kaupapa from the ground up to champion creativity in our community,” Tuari said.

“That’s nothing short of remarkable.

“Now we get to take that foundation and ask, what’s our future? How can we take it further? The possibilities are incredible.

“This is about creating experiences that resonate locally and ripple outward - showcasing what makes Te Tairāwhiti unique and special.”

Tuari’s other work includes collaborations with artists such as Tim Finn and Lee Tamahori, cultural institutions like Shakespeare’s Globe and the groundbreaking production Whakapaupakihi - a seven-year project that became a landmark in musical theatre that debuted at the 2023 Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival.

Her focus over the coming months involves connecting with creatives, funders and the wider festival community in the lead-up to the 2026 festival season.

“Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival is about our community,” she said.

“Understanding what they want and need, and building something that we can all be proud of.”