we are moving homes
We will occupy part of the building on the corner of Cable Street and Market Lane. Highly visible and central, it’s across from the Waterfront and near Te Ngākau Civic Square, forming a key part of the city’s creative hub.
Our new Arts Centre will be at 3–6 Market Lane opening in June 2026
Toi Pōneke Arts Centre is grounded in mana whenua kawa and tīkanga, and operates as a Tīriti-led facility. Toi Pōneke activities align with the outcomes of Council’s Tākai Here partnership agreement and Tūpiki Ora Māori Strategy, and everything that Toi Pōneke does contributes to the outcomes of the Aho Tini 2030 Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy.
Toi Pōneke is a Wellington City Council facility aligned with the outcomes in Te Awe Māpara Community Facilities Plan 2023 and will always be inclusive and physically accessible for all communities.
moemoeā (vision)
He kaiwhakatere i te tupu me te whanaketanga o ngā ringatoi o Te Whanganui-a-Tara
A catalyst for the growth and development of Wellington artists
The Kaupapa of our new Toi Pōneke is to create a vibrant space that nurtures collaboration, creativity and cultural exchange among artists of all generations using the Tuakana-Teina model.
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toi - art
whare - house, building
mana whenua - sovereign people
kawa - policies
tikanga - protocols
pōneke - shortened from the term pō nekeneke, refering to the history of moving under the protection of the night
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The Toi Pōneke Tuakana-Teina Kaupapa encourages reciprocal learning, mentorship, and collaboration between experienced artists or organisations (Tuakana) and emerging or less experienced artists or organisations (Teina), with a focus on nurturing the mauri (vitality) of both individuals and the arts community and growing the artists career.
Tuakana refers to the more experienced artist or organisation, who provides guidance, shares knowledge, and helps strengthen the mauri and the career pathway of the Teina through positive and supportive engagement.
Teina refers to the emerging artist or organisation, who receives mentorship and support while also contributing reciprocally, offering fresh ideas and energy that support the well-being of the arts community.
Central to this kaupapa are the principles of whanaungatanga (relationships) and manaakitanga (caring for others), fostering a thriving, interconnected arts ecosystem where the mauri of the community is uplifted through shared growth and learning with a focus on nurturing the mauri (vitality) of both individuals and the arts community and growing the artists careers.
He anamata pūkeke, whakarerekē hoki | A flexible and sustainable future
While the new building is smaller than our current premises, it is designed for multipurpose use, accommodating a variety of art forms. We’re confident this space will allow Toi Pōneke to continue fostering a vibrant and interconnected arts community.
The re-imagining of Toi Pōneke carefully considered the presence of other arts providers and facilities across the city, acknowledging that a Council-operated arts centre cannot meet all sector needs. The new model ensures that Toi Pōneke continues to play a significant role in supporting Wellington’s creative ecosystem, while operating within the financial parameters set out in the 2024-34 Council’s Long-term Plan.
External view of 3-6 Market Lane
Ngā rā matua | Key Dates
31 March 2026 – Bookings open for hireable spaces at Market Lane.
31 March 2026 – Applications open for limited-term licensed rental artist studio and arts offices at Market Lane open.
20 April 2025 – Applications for artist studios and arts offices close at 11.59pm
16 May 2026 - Bookings temporarily closed for hireable spaces at Market Lane.
10 June 2026– BOOKABLE opens for online booking for Market Lane hireable spaces
April 2026 – Public consultation on new Fees and Charges for hireable spaces (Annual Plan)
3 June 2026 – Whakanoa karakia at Abel Smith Street
June & July 2026 – Tenants move into Market Lane
1 July 2026 – Hireable rooms are in full use
Titiro whakamua | Looking ahead
Keep an eye on this page for our latest news. As we prepare for our move to Market Lane in June 2026, we’ll continue sharing updates about our programmes, exhibitions, opportunities, hireable and rental spaces here.
We look forward to welcoming you to our new creative hub and the exciting possibilities ahead!