Name: He Ipu Toi, He Ipu Oranga
Start: 2026-03-20T23:00:00+13:00
Location: 12 Pembroke Street, Hamilton, New Zealand 3204

He Ipu Toi, He Ipu Oranga, A Vessel of Art, A Vessel of Wellbeing
This kaupapa is a gentle, arts-led creative gathering for wāhine navigating the rich and often complex season of midlife.
Held within the welcoming space of Whare Hau Tutū, we invite participants to slow down, explore creativity, and reconnect with themselves through hands-on art-making. Using simple materials and guided creative prompts, wāhine are supported to reflect on what they carry, what they are growing into, and what they may wish to release or reclaim at this stage of life.
Each gathering offers a balance of personal creative time, quiet reflection, and optional kōrero within a supportive group environment. No artistic experience is needed. The focus is on process, curiosity, and expression.
This kaupapa will also introduce Te Wā o Te Wāhine, a deeper six-week creative wellbeing programme held on Monday evenings beginning 20th April 2026, where wāhine can explore their stories using creative art.
Wāhine leave each session with a creative piece and a renewed sense of grounding, connection, and possibility.
No art experience needed.
All resources and kapu tii provided.
Abbie McCall (Ngāti Apa) is a creative and compassionate māmā of 3, currently completing her Master’s in Creative Arts Therapy. Her work is grounded in aroha, wairua, and connection, and she offers gentle, one-on-one creative art therapy sessions and groups that use art-making as a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and emotional wellbeing, honouring the whole person, including body, mind, wairua, and whānau. Abbie’s approach supports people to explore their emotions, reflect on life experiences, and reconnect with themselves and others through creative processes in a safe, nurturing space.
Kia ora, my name is Serene Woolf. I am a Tsimshian, Haida, and European woman living and working on the Thames coast. I’m currently in my final year of a Master’s in Creative Arts Therapy, and my practice is guided by relational, embodied, and culturally grounded ways of knowing. I am a māmā, jeweller, artist, and facilitator whose work explores connection, identity, healing, and storytelling through creative process. I bring a holistic, intuitive approach to the spaces I hold, supporting reflection, expression, and meaningful connection.