Deputy mayor Simpson backs Manurewa arts space to create 'more Anapelas, more Velas'

Award-winning Pasifika artists Anapela Polata'ivao and Vela Manusaute have joined the call for a dedicated performing arts space in Manurewa, South Auckland.

The pair have expressed interest in mentoring emerging talent closer to home following a meeting last month between Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Matt Winiata, Polata'ivao and Manusaute about opportunities for emerging artists in South Auckland.

Simpson said Polata'ivao had spoken about travelling from South Auckland to the city to attend workshops and develop her craft, and wanted to see similar opportunities available locally.

"We had this conversation around strengthening emerging artists, especially Pacific artists, and having a place for them to practise, to perform, to express themselves, to take that cultural performing arts to the next level," Simpson said.

Simpson said the opportunity was about helping create the next generation of South Auckland artists.

"She [Polata'ivao] has taken her success, and she wants to see that success in others," Simpson said.

Award-winning actor and director Anapela Polata'ivao. Photo/File.

"This is an opportunity we have out here in the South to foster that success and to make more Anapelas, more Velas."

Polata'ivao met Simpson alongside her life and creative partner, Manusaute, and said her request was simple: a space where she could work and share her experience with others.

"I'm not here to save anybody. I'm here to give options. I'm just here to give something to whoever would like and want it," Polata'ivao said.

She would ultimately like to see a theatre established in South Auckland.

Manusaute said the vision was about sharing their experience with the next generation.

"South Auckland performing artist space is for Anapela and I to share our years of experience in theatre and film with the young generation who wants to take part in the creative spaces, sharing our years of experience and all."

"South Auckland cause we are both living here in South Auckland. We are champions of South Auckland stories," he said.

Winiata said Manurewa was already home to internationally recognised creatives such as Polata'ivao and Manusaute.

"It's funny who you have living here that we don't know," he said. "I wish that people would celebrate them more."

Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson and Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Matt Winiata support efforts to establish a dedicated performing arts space in South Auckland. Photo/PMN News/Taelegalolo'u Mary Afemata.

Winiata said Manurewa lacked suitable centrally located facilities for performing arts activities.

"It's hard that there is an embarrassment of riches in terms of theatres and spaces to rehearse, perform, practise and come together and connect in the central city. But some suburban areas like Manurewa specifically have no facilities outside of private facilities with which to do that."

He said a local board facilities review had identified gaps, including an arts centre and a Pacific cultural community space.

Winiata said a former medical facility in Manurewa that had sat vacant for several years would have been "a perfect space" for community arts activities, but the site was unavailable because a commercial lease was being sought.

"Conversations with council over the last couple of terms with the local board, with the lease team, have proven difficult to unlock that as a space because they want a commercial lease on it," he said.

Winiata said discussions were underway over a potential venue for arts activities in Manurewa.

Award-winning playwright and director Vela Manusaute is backing calls for a dedicated performing arts space in South Auckland. Photo/File.

"We're in discussions at the moment for a large space that is available and currently going through some renovations," he said.

"The hardest part to start is always at the venue, and we're going through discussions to unlock that at the moment."

Manurewa Local Board chair Heather Andrew said the board would welcome a dedicated performing arts space in the suburb.

"We would love to have a bespoke performing arts space in Manurewa to complement the existing Nathan Homestead Pukepuke Theatre."

Andrew said Manurewa was "brimming at the seams with creativity and talent" and supporting young people through arts and creative activities remained a priority for the board.

She said the board had funded a needs assessment this year to better understand arts and creative needs across Manurewa and identify opportunities for growth in the sector.

Andrew said the board was also investing in future community infrastructure, with $100,000 allocated this financial year towards a feasibility study exploring concept designs for a proposed Pan-Pacific Hub.

Auckland Council Head of Community Delivery - South, Kim Taunga, said council was aware of interest from community leaders in having more performing arts spaces available in Manurewa.

"We are aware of interest from community leaders to have more performing arts spaces available within the Manurewa area."

Taunga said existing council-run arts facilities included Nathan Homestead Pukepuke in Manurewa, Ngā Tohu o Uenuku / Māngere Arts Centre, Hawkins Theatre in Papakura, and galleries in Ōtara, Papakura and Franklin.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.