CREATIVE PEARLS
With the world as your oyster, our community-led workshop programme Creative Pearls, gives Moana artists and knowledge-holders the opportunity to deliver their own workshop concept with support from Tautai.
Upcoming Workshops
Heilala With Me
Led by Kasa Katene
Sat 1 Nov, 2025
12pm-5pm
Tautai, Level 1, 300 Karangahape Rd, Auckland 1010
Heilala with me led by Kasa Katene, is a kahoa heilala making workshop. Participants are shown how to create traditional Tongan heilala necklaces using polymer clay, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance behind the craft.
✅ All materials provided to support your learning.
🅿️ Free parking for registered participants at Wilson Parking – 24 Mercury Lane.
📌Participants are kindly asked to bring a plate to share as a koha.
Spaces are limited. Please register to secure your spot.
About Kasa Katene
Kasa Katene is the founder of Heilala Creations and is a proud Tongan entrepreneur with a deep love for her heritage and a desire to share it with the world. At just 27 years old, she is committed to preserving Tongan culture, especially for those living far from home.
She specializes in handmade kahoa heilala crafted from polymer clay. With a long-standing passion for the art of kahoa making, she recognized the difficulty of accessing the traditional heilala flower—particularly for Tongans living across the diaspora. In response, she created a unique alternative that remains true to tradition while being accessible to anyone, anywhere. Through Heilala Creations, she offers pieces that allow people to celebrate their culture and feel connected to home, no matter where they are.
Past Workshops
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Poetry Workshop
Dani Kionasina
Through talanoa, creativity, and community building, Dani offered a welcoming space for writers of all levels.
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Tapa Su'i
Jasmine Tuia
Through stitching and embroidery, participants explored Siapo Mamanu, learnt key siapo terminology, and gained insight into its cultural significance.
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From My Lips To Yours: Exploring Poetry Through The Lens of Reciprocity.
Dani Kionasina
From My Lips To Yours: Exploring Poetry Through The Lens of Reciprocity was a free poetry workshop in collaboration with KBA’s Art Late.
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Writing, Pitching & Funding: The Trinity of Being an Artist in the 21st Century
Zech Soakai
This was a free full-day workshop that explored the art of writing—whether for personal expression, community engagement, or securing funding. Led by the talented writer and poet, Zech Soakai, this was an invaluable opportunity for Tagata-Moana practitioners to deepen their skills and navigate the world of arts funding with confidence.
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‘Āpi’i Raranga Kete (Basket Weaving)
Teokotā’i Paitai
‘Āpi’i Raranga Kete was a free, fully booked 2-day workshop designed for participants to learn how to make, complete and take home their very own kete. The workshop was led by experienced Moana creative, Teokotā’i Paitai.