05/02/2025
RECENT HEADLINES:
“Wellington’s only creative polytech could be on the chopping block” - RNZ
“Central Wellington polytech campus, Te Kāhui Auaha, may close” - RNZ
“Whitireia and Weltec’s creative campus faces potential closure” - The Dominion Post
MEANING?
If closure goes ahead, this means come 2026 a NEW venue will have to be secured for 90+
performing arts students to study, learn, and hone their craft.
THIS SHOULDN’T BE HAPPENING.
As a performing art’s student I am deeply saddened, enraged, and disgusted by this news.
WHY?
I believe it is an atrocious act on behalf of this CURRENT GOVERNMENT to fail not only the arts
sector (which has begun to rely heavily on the services Te Kāhui Auaha provides), but future
and upcoming artists supported by Te Auaha. This continued let-down of arts-based
programmes and institutions is disgusting behaviour.
TIME FOR A CALL-OUT.
Prime Minister Luxon and Minister Penny Simmonds, you and the rest of your ‘peers’ need to
understand the DEVASTATING impact and direct consequences of your actions for the
creative community. You are untrustworthy and have, yet again, let down the rangatahi of
Aotearoa New Zealand.
THIS IS HOW WE FIGHT:
We will create, use our voices - sing, dance, paint, film, tell this story for everyone to hear.
“The theatre is the only institution in the world which has been dying for four thousand years
and never succumbed. It requires tough and devoted people to keep it alive” - John Steinbeck
We are tough and devoted. We are the next generation and you will not silence us.
Sincerely,
Signed: Performing Arts students of Te Auaha.
