AUCKLAND, Today: TV series, commercials, music videos, podcasts, business events, education programmes, rehearsals and community shows – months after opening, Te Puna Creative Hub has celebrated successful firsts across many of its core pillars.
The reimagining of site that was Whoa! Studios in Te Kōpua Henderson, the Te Puna Creative Hub offers dynamic, adaptable spaces and has quickly become the true focal point for creativity.
Operated by Auckland Council, Te Puna has state-of-the-art tools and technologies and is home to Takawai Studio with green screen and lighting grid where season four of TVNZ children’s show Toi Time was filmed, along with a clutch of TVCs.
Next door is the 159-seat Kōmanawa Theatre, a regular venue for kapa haka and theatre production rehearsals, and community shows such as the Te Moana Glow Show and a family fun-day and an exclusive Q&A session with Outrageous Fortune writers James Griffin and Rachel Lang.
Just as important is what has been achieved behind the scenes. The Hub is also the new location of Crescendo, a social enterprise that gives rangatahi (students) hands-on experience in music production, content creation, podcasting, audio engineering and song writing.
“Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has 50 percent of Aotearoa New Zealand’s creative workforce, and Te Puna Creative Hub is quickly building a reputation for creative spaces.” – Jasmine Millet, head of sector development at Auckland Council’s Economic Development Office
TV and film projects still under wraps have used Te Puna as a base overflow. Te Puna also houses Click Studio’s west Auckland coworking site and a bookable boardroom, sitting alongside The Grounds restaurant.
“Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has 50 percent of Aotearoa New Zealand’s creative workforce, and Te Puna Creative Hub is quickly building a reputation for creative spaces, catering to a wide range of people in this vibrant industry,” Jasmine Millet, head of sector development at Auckland Council’s Economic Development Office, says.
“Auckland Council is building on the vision of Te Kōpua Henderson becoming a cultural epicentre for arts, one that atttacts a wide range of rangatahi through to emerging talent and seasoned veteran artists.”
The Hub sits within the Te Puna Creative Innovation Quarter, bordered by Auckland Film Studios, Corban Estate Art Centre, Laidlaw College and the Henderson town centre.
Auckland Council has partnered with Te Kawerau ā Maki, the mana whenua of west Auckland on the development. They gifted the name Te Puna – as puna are springs in the waterways of iwi land where people converge to connect in daily life.
“Auckland Council is building on the vision of Te Kōpua Henderson becoming a cultural epicentre for arts, one that atttacts a wide range of rangatahi through to emerging talent and seasoned veteran artists.” – Jasmine Millet, head of sector development at Auckland Council’s Economic Development Office
Te Puna is guided by five pou (foundational principles):
- Whānau (community)
- Auaha (innovation and creativity)
- Mana Motuhake (self-determination)
- Kaitiakitanga (guardianship)
- Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge).
Last month the Hub held an open day to celebrate the completion of the first Te Puna Creative Academy Digital Visual Arts and Design programme – and the launch of a video game based on a Te Kawerau a Maki legend, Kahuawe. It was created by students (tauira) from Ama Digital Studio, TV production, gaming and visual effects specialists that teach rangitahi through a te āo Māori lens.
In October, Microsoft announced it is partnering with the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology – Te Pukenga, Auckland Council, and the Ministry of Social Development to launch creative technology micro-credentials for life-long learners, and the first course started last week with 25 students. They will be attending weekly sessions at Te Puna Creative Hub’s annex office through to late January.
Other upcoming events in December include Te Manu Waiata – The Songbird, a collection of young classical performers, the Notorious Dance Company end-of-year showcase and Waipareira Kapa Haka performance.
The Te Puna Creative Hub opens again on January 5, 2026, and is asking for expressions of interest for its Q1 Open Call – with $2,000 towards a creative project and free venue hire.
- View the Te Puna Creative Hub’s Venue Guide here
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