Opening night – from 3.30pm meet and greet the artists and live music from 5pm, featuring Roimata Taimana, Jenny McLeod, Darby Tuhaka, and Murray Rainey.
Roimata Taimana (Te Kawerau ā Maki, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Huarere) is an artist, singer/songwriter and Mata Ora who lives in Kūaotunu.
Raised in West Auckland and Whangapoua, Roimata takes inspiration from the natural world and pays tribute to his tipuna in his work.
Jenny McLeod is a talented glass artist based in Thames, with over 30 years of experience crafting stunning fused glass art. Her journey began at 18 when she left her Whitianga home to explore various art forms in Auckland, eventually discovering her passion for glasswork. She describes fusing glass—a process of layering and heating glass to create unique pieces—as “addictive” and has honed this skill into a remarkable art form.
Inspired by her Coromandel roots, Jenny’s work reflects her love for nature and her appreciation for the vibrant Pasifika style, influenced by her travels to places like Rarotonga and Samoa.
From her studio and gallery on Thames’ main street, Jenny creates intricate pieces, often recycling materials like old window glass and bottles to keep her art sustainable.
As a trustee of the Thames Public Art Trust, she contributes to enhancing the town’s creative landscape.
Darby Tuhaka is a master tā moko artist, carver, and healer based in Paeroa, Aotearoa New Zealand. With tribal connections to Ngāti Tamaterā and a life dedicated to preserving and revitalising Māori culture, Darby specialises in traditional tattooing using uhi (chisels) and mallets, a method that dates back thousands of years. His studio, Healing Ink, is not just a tattoo parlour—it’s a cultural hub featuring a Polynesian and Māori taonga museum and a space for rongoā (traditional healing).
Darby’s journey spans decades and continents. From revitalising tā moko in Aotearoa New Zealand to showcasing traditional tattooing at international conventions, he has become a global ambassador for Māori art.
His philosophy centres on wairua (spirit), kotahitanga (unity), and the transformative power of the arts to heal and uplift. With a deep commitment to cultural preservation, Darby inspires through his work, fostering connections and breathing life into taonga and traditions that might otherwise be lost.
Art is about expressive intent.
For Murray, throwing something on the pottery wheel embeds a part of his essence into each piece. Whether it’s a single creation or a repeated form, that personal connection remains tangible.
Despite being mature in age, he considers himself young in “throwing time” and still possesses a deep desire to explore and experiment.
Much of his work falls under the category of functional art, designed not only to be admired but also to serve a purpose.
Glazing and firing, however, present a significant challenge—a “big can of worms,” as he describes it. This stage is both thrilling and tormenting, as the kiln becomes a place of uncertainty where the results can be great or disappointing.
The anticipation builds until the first peek inside the cooled kiln is possible. Often, the waiting feels interminable, but the satisfaction of seeing the finished work makes it all worthwhile.
Pride in his craft and the journey it represents is a constant source of joy and fulfillment.
Live music by:
DJ Matt Rapid
and
Roimata & Friends
For more information, please email hello@coromind.nz
Event Schedule:
Saturday, 30th November: Big opening night from 5 pm featuring Emma Evangeline, Ali Gustafson, Sandy Gaskell, and Ashley Thor.
Live music by Taylor Sol (the magic of 432Hz music) and Amanda Bovo (Brazilian finest music!).
Friday, 6th December: Happy Hour from 3:30 pm.
Live music by Francie Lidgard and Ash Rogers.
Saturday, 14th December: Opening night from 5 pm featuring Roimata Taimana, Jenny McLeod, Darby Tuhaka, and Murray Rainey.
DJ Matt Rapid and live music by Roimata & Friends.
Friday, 20th December: Happy Hour from 3:30 pm.
Live music by Let’s Go Descarrego! & Friends.
Thursday, 26th December: Opening night from 5 pm featuring Shane Walker, Ginney Deavoll, and Kay Ogilvie.
Live music by Amir Yussof and Fabian Robert & Friends.
Sunday, 29th December: Sunday Session from 5 pm.
Live music by Hani Dread.
Wednesday, 3rd January: Brazilian Happy Hour from 3:30 pm.
DJ Corysco and DJ Rocha Fire.
Tuesday, 9th January: Opening night from 5 pm featuring Jason Tahatika, Toka Matai, and Fiona Gates – Te Rarawa, Rangitāne .
DJ Pelroy and live music by Corrosive Moses (special acoustic set).
Saturday, 18th January: Happy Hour from 3:30 pm.
Live music by Benji from Flaxxies & Friends
Saturday, 25th January: Happy Hour from 3:30 pm.
Special act to be announced!
Sunday, 2nd February: Wrap-Up Party!
Live music by theband.com, Prisoners of War, Corrosive Moses, and more to be announced.
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