Wantok Stori Miting Marks a New Chapter for Melanesian Arts in Aotearoa
“Pacific Arts includes our whole village.”
Those words came to life in Auckland last Friday, as artists, cultural leaders, and community members from across Aotearoa gathered for the first-ever Wantok Stori Miting - Aucklands first Melanesian focused arts meeting.
Held as part of Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Strategy 2023–2028, the Miting marked the launch of the Melanesian Arts Development Initiative, a new chapter in strengthening the visibility and representation of Melanesian creatives in Aotearoa’s wider Pacific arts landscape.
Makerita Urale, Senior Manager Pacific Arts at Creative New Zealand, said:
“The miting will serve as space to share stories, celebrate creativity, and strengthen connections across the Melanesian arts community... The initiative aims to strategically focus on strengthening the Melanesian arts community and the visibility of their diverse voices within the wider Pacific arts ecosystem in Aotearoa.”
“These miting are important because they create opportunities for Melanesian creatives to come together and exchange ideas in a way that strengthens their collective presence,” she said. “They’re a chance to build networks, share experiences, and ensure Melanesian voices and perspectives are part of the wider Pacific arts conversation in Aotearoa.”
For Cathy Bolinga from the Papua New Guinea community, the gathering was a moment of pride and unity.
“It is important for communities representing different cultures and arts practices around Aotearoa to be supported to share conversations about where we see ourselves in the future as part of the wider Pacific arts community. I’m looking forward to being on a panel and encourage our Melanesian arts community to register and join us for our first-ever Miting as a combined creative community,” she said.
The following day, celebrations continued with the Melanesian Arts Festival in Henderson — a free, family-friendly event filled with performances, art, and shared kai. Together, both events reaffirmed what the Wantok Stori Miting set out to do: honour Melanesian voices, celebrate their creativity, and strengthen their place within Aotearoa’s Pacific arts village.