A little over one year since the Creative Communities Ka Mua Ka Muri weekend was held on the anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle hitting Tairāwhiti, Emma reflects on the connections made.
Background:
Ka Mua Ka Muri was a creative collaboration and exhibition showcasing regional climate and community initiatives, in Gisborne February 9-11 2024.
Communities and people involved in climate related projects around the region worked in teams with one or two manuhiri creatives to have their experiences and perspectives interpreted through visual arts, music and creative writing.
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It all started with a passing comment on our annual whānau summer holiday at Anaura Bay, Tairāwhiti.
Toi Āria’s Anna Brown is my cousin and my mate. Our family was directly hit by Cyclone Gabrielle. We work in similar fields, have a similar ethos and drive for making the world a better place through our mahi and through art and design. We also have a heap of fun together, so when she mentioned an upcoming project happening in my favourite place, (I whakapapa to Gisborne, have spent almost every summer there since I was young) - I offered/asked/begged to be involved.
I am part of For Purpose, a social enterprise – a full service agency that helps communities and socially-led organisations create positive social change. To put my producer hat on and work alongside Anna, Renee, Manu and Dana managing the event on the ground was a good fit – and a joy.
A professional highlight from that time was the connection made with Manu Caddie of Te Weu Charitable Trust. This opened doors for For Purpose to provide campaign work for the 2024 Tauranga Moana Council elections. To support Ria Hall and Hautapu Baker on separate, but values-aligned campaigns was challenging but rewarding. The kaupapa of both candidates was similar to that of Ka Mua Ka Muri - to bring a vision of belonging and hope, and the aim to unite the community.
Ka Mua Ka Muri also enriched 2024 for me personally. It opened my eyes to the energy people have for creative collaboration - the importance of community-centric initiatives. The care and interest we show for each other, what we do and how we do it, starting with a small idea, trusting each other and running with it. My mind was blown by the transformative creations made from strangers meeting and working together for those three enriching days.
Can we do it again please? 
