The purpose of Taha Hotu is to

Who is Taha Hotu for?

We welcome and include anyone who identifies as:

• Tangata Whaikaha
• Whānau Hauā
• Turi
• Disabled Pasifika people
• deaf/Deaf
• disabled
• neurodivergent
• mad
• sick

and people who have:

• a disability or impairment
• chronic health conditions
• mental distress.

If you are new to Deaf and disabled community, or you’re just starting to explore your creative side and you think this might be a space for you, please reach out, we’d love to kōrero.

How we roll:

Our approach is underpinned by disability rights and the Social Model of disability. 

The social model says that a person isn’t disabled because of their impairment, health condition, or how they experience the world; rather it is the physical and attitudinal barriers in society – prejudice, lack of access and systemic exclusion that disable people. This means we won’t ask for proof that you are disabled, and you don’t need to share anything about your diagnosis(es).

We actively work to honour and uphold the culture and rights of Tāngata Turi and Tāngata Whaikaha Māori as enshrined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We understand that disability is an important identity for some disabled people, and we recognise the affirmative model of disability, Deaf culture, disability pride and the unique ways of knowing and being that Deaf and disabled people have.

Taha Hotu Deaf and disabled artists initiative aims to hold space for all the ways culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and class intersect to create fluid, multi-layered and interwoven perspectives and identities because Deaf and disabled people don’t lead single identity or single-issue lives and we don’t fit neatly into boxes.

You can read more about Arts Access Aotearoa’s Equity Statement and our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi on the Arts Access Aotearoa website.

The words we use

Taha Hotu and the space we work in is expansive, so we use some words as umbrella terms, to keep things short. We update our language as it shifts and evolves in our communities.

For now, we use the words Deaf or disabled, in reference to Deaf culture and disabled as positioned in the social model of disability and Tāngata Turi, Tāngata Whaikaha Māori and Whānau Hauā, Te reo Māori words which hold the distinct cultural experience of Māori who are Deaf or disabled.

While we use words that are commonly used in the community, but we know they don’t resonate for everyone, we respect and reflect the language that people use for themselves.

Artist is another umbrella term we use, and include anyone working in the arts sector including:

• Ngā Toi Māori
• Pacific arts
• cultural / traditional arts
• visual arts
• performance art
• dance
• theatre
• music
• writing
• sculpture
• ceramics
• interdisciplinary arts
• the yet to be defined.

We also include anyone working behind the scenes to make art happen, including:

• producers
• curators
• technicians
• dramaturgs
• stage managers
• artistic directors
• audio describers
• interpreters
• accessibility and intimacy coordinators 
• the wearers of many hats.

Whatever the art form type or arts sector mahi, we would love to hear from you.

How Taha Hotu got its name:

The name Taha Hotu is a gift from Rodney Bell (Ngaati Rooraa).

Rodney says “Taha Hotu evolved from my experience with Whai Kaha and Tangata Hauaa Whaanau and Communities and how we support and respect each other. As a disabled community I believe we all lean differently in the wind so let’s hold on to the desire to lean towards each other especially when we are in need of community or support.”

Our Logo:

The logo was designed by Kim Anderson. Reflecting the overall kaupapa of Taha Hotu, it includes connection and invitation (hands), an arts practice (rough texture), plus themes of journey, support and growth (harakeke).

Who we are

Taha Hotu is run by Arts Access Aotearoa, A national peak body working to increase access to the arts. Visit the Arts Access Aotearoa website to learn more.

Stace Robertson (he/they) is the Lead Accessibility Advisor | Kaiārahi a Toi Ōritetanga at Arts Access Aotearoa. He is the main point of contact for Taha Hotu, where he is focussed on Deaf and disabled artists becoming integral part of the arts sector where they are leading and shaping the artistic landscape. Stace is a proud disabled person and practising artist working in ceramics, painting, drawing and photography. He has a background in intersectional advocacy and community development mahi, grounded in accessibility, governance roles and is a pottery tutor. At Arts Access Aotearoa he also works with the arts sector, focussing on accessibility policies, advocating for increased access, and supporting inclusive practices. Stace works Monday to Thursday.

Kōrero mai, we’d love to talk with you!

Physical address: Level 3, Toi Pōneke, 61-63 Abel Smith Street, Wellington 6141
Postal address: PO Box 9828, Wellington, 6141, New Zealand
T: +64 4 802 4349
E: info@artsaccess.org.nz

National Relay Service: choose your preferred service and ask for Arts Access Aotearoa 04 802 4349.