Around The Table

In this episode, new host Arpége Taratoa speaks with Amelia Walters and Beau White on the intersection of creativity, fashion, and queerness. Beau shares his personal journey with Transcend Garments and how fashion intersects with his identity as a queer individual. Amelia reflects on her colorful upbringing in Brighton and the culture shift she experienced moving to Tauranga. All three discuss the relationship between creativity and the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting the importance of self-expression and pushing societal norms. We hope you enjoy hearing from these three fabulous individuals!

Step into the minds of the visionary leaders driving the revival of Tauranga’s city centre. We sit down with Sonya Korohina, (Director of Tauranga Art Gallery), Rachelle Duffy (Little Big Events, Our Place Magazine), and Greg McManus, (Director of Museums), as they discuss the grand plans to reshape Tauranga’s city centre. It’s a nod to the transformative power of civic leadership – and to the importance of engaging with your community at each step of the development.

Mount Maunganui local Billie Scott got her first camera aged ten. Although she was passionate about photography, she didn't believe it could be a career and pursued science instead. Eventually spotting a gap in the market for videographers, she decided to take the plunge, teaching herself everything she needed to know. Today, Billie balances her need for a fast-paced lifestyle between creativity and sport, and an average day in her life "depends on the waves".

Esraa Muse doesn't like putting her art in boxes, but some people call her a rockstar in a garden - pretty with an edge - which also describes her singing style. This is a powerful discussion of striving for your dreams in spite of pain.

Paora Tiatoa (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Raukawa) is a visual artist and print maker who specialises in three print formats: abstract multi-pass hand screenprinting; inkjets; and a combination of these which Paora has named jetscreening. Working out of his 40ft shipping container studio on Matakana Island, Paora's work is exhibited in spaces across the motu, including The Poi Room, Turua Gallery and Ora Gallery. Our kōrero touches on his upbringing, the role of humour in his work, and Bobby's Fish & Chip Shop.

Nicol Sanders O’Shea’s first job was tutoring printmaking at Elam, and her art journey has been life-long ever since. Working as an art educator at Toi Ohomai, Nicol wants to see more public art around our city, funded art residencies, and big annual arts events. We think she’s spot on.

Actress Kataraina Howden-Borell stars in the 2022 television series Beyond the Veil. Listen to her kōrero with presenter Tihini Grant about the importance of te reo Māori on our screens. Creative Bay of Plenty and Film Bay of Plenty are honoured to present three episodes in te reo Māori in celebration of Te Wiki o te reo Māori for The Creative Patapatai Project. ⁠ These episodes were recorded at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o te Kura Kōkiri, with interviewer Tihini Grant speaking with film/media industry professionals Hemana Waaka, Te Manawa Tumoana, and Kataraina Howden-Borell. ⁠ ⁠ Ngā mihi nui to Film Bay of Plenty, Tihini Grant, Mood, Studio Muse Videography, Toi Ohomai and Te Kura Kōkiri for your collaborative mahi on this kaupapa. ⁠ ⁠ Ko ngā pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata. Ko ngā pae tata, whakamaua kia tina. Mā te wā.⁠

Te Manawa Tumoana (Te Puke) is currently working as a production assistant at Waka Huia, an archival TV series recording the unique stories and histories of Māori for all New Zealanders. Creative Bay of Plenty and Film Bay of Plenty are honoured to present three episodes in te reo Māori in celebration of Te Wiki o te reo Māori for The Creative Patapatai Project. ⁠ These episodes were recorded at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o te Kura Kōkiri, with interviewer Tihini Grant speaking with film/media industry professionals Hemana Waaka, Te Manawa Tumoana, and Kataraina Howden-Borell. ⁠ ⁠ Ngā mihi nui to Film Bay of Plenty, Tihini Grant, Mood, Studio Muse Videography, Toi Ohomai and Te Kura Kōkiri for your collaborative mahi on this kaupapa. ⁠ ⁠ Ko ngā pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata. Ko ngā pae tata, whakamaua kia tina. Mā te wā.⁠

Hemana Waaka, the world's first sports commentator to present in te reo Maori, speaks with Tihini Grant about inspiring audiences through embracing the language. Creative Bay of Plenty and Film Bay of Plenty are honoured to present three episodes in te reo Māori in celebration of Te Wiki o te reo Māori for The Creative Patapatai Project. ⁠ These episodes were recorded at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o te Kura Kōkiri, with interviewer Tihini Grant speaking with film/media industry professionals Hemana Waaka, Te Manawa Tumoana, and Kataraina Howden-Borell. ⁠ ⁠ Ngā mihi nui to Film Bay of Plenty, Tihini Grant, Mood, Studio Muse Videography, Toi Ohomai and Te Kura Kōkiri for your collaborative mahi on this kaupapa. ⁠ ⁠ Ko ngā pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata. Ko ngā pae tata, whakamaua kia tina. Mā te wā.⁠

Ross Murray is influenced by a combination of comic books and vintage advertising. He’s created artwork for clients such as Lonely Planet, NASA, Disney, Apple, Rolling Stone Magazine, The Washington Post, Garage Project, and The Spinoff. Part of his work involves re-watching Disney princess movies. Yes, we’re jealous.