Location: Brookfields Lawyers Gallery, Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi – Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre

Come along and make your own poi in this family-friendly workshop. Staff will be on hand to guide you through the process, combining wool, textile scraps and offcuts, into a one-of-a-kind, plastic-free poi. 

This workshop links in with The 80s Show, an exhibition of iconic artworks made in New Zealand in the 1980s. It was a decade of political action, bright colours, big paintings, and pop culture. 1984 saw the release of the hit song Poi E, by Patea Māori Club. The song was written with the intention of instilling pride in young Māori and New Zealanders as a whole. Poi E was in the charts for 22 weeks in 1984 and was the biggest selling song in New Zealand. It is also the only New Zealand song to chart over three decades. We’ll be listening to this song and others from the 1980s throughout the workshop.

This is a free workshop, suitable for all ages. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver. No bookings required.

The 80’s Show has been developed and toured by Tauranga Art Gallery Toi Tauranga, and generously supported by Craigs Investment Partners. Special thanks to the Fletcher Trust Collection.