Aotearoa's finest hip hop dancers made good use of home ground advantage, showing out at the World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC) at Manukau’s Due Drop Events Centre.

In an event with a huge serving of Polynesian flair, it was a NZ one-two in the showpiece Super Crew Open Division - where up to 40 performers hit the stage at once - with a sell out on hand for the event finale. 

The Royal Family, led by Teesha Taulepa of Palace Dance Studio, were crowned world champions in their first time competing internationally in five years, with compatriots IDCO - under the direction of Joshua Cesan - placing second.

It was another strong showing from IDCO, having also claimed first place in the Super Crew Youth Division with their team YungID - ahead of Tauranga crew Space Pro - and finished runner ups in the Adult division with Crew 24 and the Youth Division with True 9INE.

Throw in a couple of third placings with Duchesses from The Palace Dance Studio (Youth) and Roxy from Auckland’s RGD Studio (Junior) - and the locals put on a showing to be proud of against the best from the rest of the planet.

Departing Creative NZ Chief Exectuive Stephen Wainwright opened the event, stating “This is a major global event that has socio-economic and cultural benefits for the arts, and for Auckland as the host city.

“WDCC is a fantastic platform for investing in the future of our creative industries and young people.”

That was highlighted in the College Dance Crew Championship (CDCC) – a category where secondary school students earn NCEA credits and get to learn from industry professionals and perform in front of an international judging panel.

Eight New Zealand schools took part - with Manurewa High School’s Rewa All Stars landing first place ahead of ACDA from Alfriston College and Avondale Street Dance Crew from Avondale College.

Nishika Singh, one of Rewa All Stars' student leaders, described it as “A moment that still feels surreal to us as a crew”, adding “It was the result of months of hard work, long training hours, and pushing past doubt together. When we stepped on stage, we weren’t just performing a set - we were sharing our story and representing our legacy as RAS with pride. 

"Winning was more than just getting a trophy for us; it was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve through passion, unity, and dedication to our craft.”

Alfriston College dance teacher Anks Fepulea’i echoed the importance of creating real opportunities for young dancers to pursue their dreams.

“Our goal is to change the narrative of dance as a hobby and show that it can be pursued as a career. 

"We wanted to create a space where students could train in a company-like environment, preparing them for both the national and international stage.”

Organiser Bayon Kim highlights the event “empowers creativity, connects schools with the performing arts, and helps young people see a future for themselves in dance, whether professionally or as a lifelong passion.”

Tinā joins elite complany

A movie that puts both Aotearoa and Samoan stories at its heart is quietly making its way into an exclusive fraternity of films.

New Zealand drama Tinā has cracked the impressive $5 million milestone at the box office - boosting it to be the sixth most successful local film.

In seven weeks since its release, the heartwarming drama has racked up $5,030,777 with over 321,952 ticket sales. Tinā also set a record for the widest release of a New Zealand film, screening across 128 locations in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Samoa and landed the third-biggest NZ opening week of all time.

The beautiful performance of Arts Laureate Anapela Polataivao, alongside the likes of Beulah Koale, Nicole Whippy and newcomer Antonia Robinson has captured hearts and minds - with the story of a Samoan teacher struggling after losing her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes reluctantly taking on a substitute gig at a private school.  

The film’s director, writer and producer Miki Magasiva reacts "No words, just gratitude, thank you Aotearoa, this is a massive honour for us. A wonderful surprise and huge vote of confidence for our entire team, fa’afetai tele lava!” 

Producer, Dan Higgins adds, “The success of the film is a testament to finding your audience, Tinā has found that in the Pasifika community and beyond. 

"It’s not just Kiwis wanting to see the film, with sold out Australian premieres and the American market screaming out for showings.” 

New Zealand Film Commission CEO, Annie Murray notes “The record audience numbers who’ve shown up for Tinā prove there’s very real affection and support for well-crafted and authentic stories from our homegrown filmmakers. The film’s success is a compelling case on how investing in stories which reflect who we are, leads to both critical and commercial success."

For those keeping tabs, The most successful Kiwi films mantle belong to a couple of Taika Waititi doosies; Hunt For the Wilderpeople ($12.2m) and Boy ($9.3m), with  
The World’s Fastest Indian ($7m), Once Were Warriors ($6.8m) and Whale Rider ($6.5m) all that sit ahead of Tinā - pretty formidable company.

But of note, Tinā is comfortably the most successful New Zealand movie in the last 10 years at the box office - something to be proud of with all the streaming options available as alternatives to heading along to the cinema. 

Big name mentors for rising creative talents

Imagine wanting to make your mark in ngā toi Māori and having one of the Mataaho Collective to turn to for support.

What about having a desire to build a career in film and being able to bend the air of a successful Hollywood creative mind and performer?

There's no question the impact such connections could have on a fledging career, which makes the Arts Foundation's Springboard Recipients such a coveted group to be part of for emerging creatives.

The 2025 batch has been revealed with not only a hugely impactful $15,000 but also a pairing with some of the country's most renowned artists as their hand-picked mentors from the Arts Laureate alumni.

As Arts Foundation General Manager Jessica Palalagi puts it "Money. Mentoring. Two of the most essential elements we can provide to early career artists. 

"Through the giving and amazing generosity of individuals and families we can award early career artists every year with this opportunity. 2025 is no different as we welcome six more remarkable artists to our whānau - where they are matched with their choice of mentor - we then have the awesome job of amplifying their work, continuing to see them nurture their creative practice and all of us get to be a part of their journey. 

"This is the hard work (and the heart work) and I can’t wait to see where they go next… ”

It's that access that excites the likes of Samoan multidisciplinary artist, actor and movement practitioner - who has been paired with the visionary and founder of MAU, Lemi Ponifasio.

Lemanu told The Lowdown "I’ve been fascinated by his thinking for a long time, so this connection means a lot to me. I know I’ll be tested and provoked—and through this mentorship, I get the rare chance to witness how he works, and more importantly, how he lives as an artist in the world.  

“To be named alongside an alumni of artists that I admire is honestly a huge honor. To know that you are 'seen' as an artist– I feel truly blessed.” 

Filmmaker Jaya Beach-Robertson has a self-proclaimed lean towards the weird - and for the next 12 months, she'll have one of New Zealand's finest and most successful exponents of that to tap into, landing Jemaine Clement as her mentor.

Beach-Robertson describes her Springboard success as “Validation that I am not delusional about this art thing and that I probably shouldn't give up.” 

Visual artist Ming Ranginui has honed her fine art studies to specialise in raranga (weaving). She'll now have the experience of international award-winning Mataaho Collective talent Sarah Hudson to soak up, who she enthuses "I really look forward to working with and learning from."

Ranginui adds “I’m really grateful and it feels really cosmic to receive such an award. It is another tohu to keep continuing making and sharing my toi."

Hudson's not the only Venice Biennale representative part of this year's cohort. Lisa Reihana will lend her considerable knowledge to moving art and installation focussed siblings Qianye 林千叶 and Qianhe Lin 林千和.

The pair react to their Springboard elevation “We feel very, very, very, very grateful and blessed to have been selected for this award, we were lost for words when we received the call. This is going to help us sustain our practice and afford us extra time and space for research and exploration. 

"This has given us just the boost we needed, both financially and mentally, to further commit to our making.” 

Co-founder and artistic director of theatre company Hand Pulled Collective, Talia Pua has been matched with one of the freshly minted Arts Laureates in Miriama McDowell.

“It means a lot to know that there are people who support and believe in me. I wouldn’t be where I am without all the people who have already come alongside and invested into me over the years. I am so grateful and encouraged to keep going.” 

And rounding out the half dozen duos in the seemingly perfect match between pianist Liam Wooding and one of the country's most award-winning classical musicians Michael Houstoun.

“The endorsement from the Arts Foundation is very motivating and I’m pleased to be recognised for the work I have done so far. Hopefully, I’m just getting started!"

Tohi's triumph

Recognition comes in all shapes and sizes - and for renowned artist Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi - his latest has come with an unexpected cap and gown.

He has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts by Massey University for his outstanding contributions to both the Pacific and global art scenes - joining elite company by following in the footsteps of visual artist Sandy Adsett and late sculptor Paul Dibble. He's also only the second Pacific person to be met with the honour from the University.

The Tongan born, Auckland based Tohi has earned widespread recognition for his innovative works that incorporate Pacific Island and Māori iconography. His mastery of traditional Pan-Pacific lashing techniques, known as lalava, and his contemporary reinterpretation of these patterns, have made him a pioneer in the field of Pacific art.

As Tohi explains "I have identified a visual language within the lalava that was not only used by our ancestors for voyaging, but it communicated principles of cultural knowledge and history. For me, the sennit patterns of the Pacific convey our memories and experiences, as well as carry us from place to place."

But his skill set is broad across multiple mediums - as is his contribution to the cultural landscape of both his country of birth and his adopted homeland. His mahi has featured in major public collections like Auckland Art Gallery and Govett-Brewster Art Gallery - as well as exhibiting in Japan, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom. Tohi's scupltures can be found in many public sites including the Polynesian Cultural Centre in Hawai’i, the Wan Solara Pasifika Section at Wellington's Victoria University, Auckland's Te Auaunga Awa Outdoor Learning Classroom and at Massey University itself.

As a teacher and mentor, Tohi has contributed significantly to the development of Pacific artists. He has served as an instructor at the Rangimarie Arts and Crafts Centre, was a founding member of Te Kupenga in New Plymouth and has been involved with numerous residencies and cultural initiatives, including as the Pacific Heritage Artist in Residence at Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland. His educational influence extends to the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Hawai‘i, where he has shared his expertise in Pacific art and heritage.

Soana Pomaka, Principal of Tāmaki College in Auckland and Tohi's childhood friend wrote in support of his Honorary Doctorate.

“Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi possesses a very special kind of talent – a kind that is seldom seen. This talent has been the catalyst for a remarkable career and has enabled him to make a very significant contribution to the world of art. High-level recognition of a practitioner such as Filipe would not only be greatly deserved on a personal level – it would also be a fillip to future generations of Polynesian artists.

“Filipe’s dedication to his craft and contributions to the art community make him a truly fitting candidate for this prestigious honour. His work embodies the values of creativity, cultural preservation and innovation."

On the way to Niue

Eight weeks on the ruggedly beautiful island of Niue sounds like a dream for many (especially with the weather beginning to turn in Aotearoa) - but it's a reality for award-winning artist Katrina Iosia.

And those on 'The Rock' are about to experience a new kind of a reality as a result. 

The technology-driven creative mind has been chosen as the inaugural Niue Artist in Residence - a new partnership between Creative New Zealand Pacific Arts and the Government of Niue.

Iosia will spend the residency working on a research-driven project exploring Niue’s coral reef ecosystems through scanning, sculpting, and mixed reality technology to create physical sculptures and an Augmented Reality (AR) experience, allowing global audiences to engage with Niue’s marine environment interactively.

She will also share her knowledge with the local community and youth as part of Augmented Reality workshops, with the residency to be launched in Alofi during the Niue Arts Festival 2025.

A former Pacific Contemporary Artist winner at the CNZ Arts Pasifika Awards, Iosia is a well-respected multidisciplinary artist with an international reputation for creative technology, design and development, VR, 3D modelling, animation, digital sculpting, and illustration. 

New funding for Pasifika artists

Getting the chance to spread their wings creatively could be on the horizon for even more Pasifika artists, with the launch of Tautai's Artists Across Borders initivative.

Described a special “top-up” funding opportunity for contemporary Pasifika artists based in Aotearoa, it's designed to support those who have received rare international invitations between April and December 2025, but are facing financial barriers that could prevent them from taking up these opportunities.

Applications can be made for up to $4,000 - with a minimum of five applications to be granted - and will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. 

Tautai's Operations Director Olivia Laita told The Lowdown  "I was catching up with artist friends Raymond Sagapolutele and Iokapeta Magele-Suamasi at an exhibition opening in 2024, when they shared how incredible it would be if Tautai could support 'the traveling artist.' 

"That moment planted the seed. From there, my focus became: How can I make a $20,000 pool stretch to support more than one artist on an international project—without compromising quality? 

"As the idea developed, I reached out to organisations like CNZ, Objectspace, and Artspace to sound out the concept. I paid close attention to the evolving art landscape, especially in light of funding cuts, and recognised how vital collaboration has become. 

"I kept returning to Tautai’s vision - to establish a thriving, sustainable, and interconnected Pasifika Arts community across Aotearoa, Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, and the world. With the support of our Gallery Manager, Elisabeth Pointon, Artists Across Borders was born.

"We launched the initiative on 16 April and received our first submission in less than 24 hours. We have yet to award a successful application as it’s still early days."

The funding applies for off-shore invitations for exhibitions, residencies, guest speaker or public programming facilitation, with costs going towards a range of factors including travel, accomodation, per diems, materials, and more.

We will remember them

With ANZAC Day almost upon us - remembrance will be top of the agenda for many.

But how do you keep the legacy alive when all who witnessed it have passed?

This year's ANZAC Day is the first without a living member of Te Hokowhitu a Tū / The 28th Māori Battalion, following the passing of Tā Robert Nairn “Bom” Gillies in November - and a couple of creative minds with a connection to him have combined to help provide a fresh perspective.

Mātanga reo, Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod, was a close family friend of Sir Bom through their shared Te Arawa and Ngāti Kahungunu whakapapa - he travelled with the hugely-respected figure to the cemeteries of fallen WW2 soldiers in Italy, hearing first-hand reflections and perspectives.

17-year-old singer/songwriter Nikau Grace's grandfather fought alongside Sir Bom in the Māori Battalion and was previously in a band with Bom’s son. Produced by Kings - who also had koroua fight in World War 2 - Grace has linked with Te Matatini champions Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue to perform the just released bilingual waiata He Aha Te Aha.

This ode to the service and sacrifice of the Battalion - and to the resilience of the Māori culture - was recorded in Tāmaki Makaurau and Rotorua over three days, and is being released on the Waiata Anthems platforms. 

Manawatū's newest event

The Books Alive initiative is growing year on year - with the announcement it will expand into Palmerston North this year.

After Invercargill joined the established venues in Wellington and Christchurch last year, this will mark the fourth regional centre to host large-scale events for school children, giving it an even split between the North and South Islands.

The Palmy project is being spearheaded by outgoing Te Awhi Rito NZ Reading Ambassador Alan Dingley and immediate-Past President of SLANZA (School Library Association) Sasha Eastwood, both well-respected school library managers in the Manawatū region. 

Dingley states “Books Alive is a dynamic initiative that brings New Zealand authors into direct engagement with young school children, offering workshops that inspire creativity, enhance literacy, and foster a love of reading.” 

“By connecting children with the authors behind their favourite books, the event makes literature exciting and interactive, helping young readers develop a deeper appreciation for storytelling.

“Palmerston North is a hub for education and culture, making it a perfect setting for such an initiative. Hosting the event will enrich our city’s literary landscape and strengthen its reputation as a place that values knowledge and creativity.”

Eastwood expands “Not only will the Books Alive event provide local students with valuable opportunities to engage with authors, but it will also make these experiences accessible to schools in smaller towns and rural communities across Manawatū, Tararua, and Rangitīkei, which rarely get such chances.” 

The full-day programme will be held across the library and the Globe Theatre on 22 July. The Mātātuhi Foundation grant will support bus transport to bring school children from around the region to the city.