The final episode of Creative Capital features the phenomenal artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole - creators of Wharenui Harikoa. Wharenui Harikoa, translating to 'House of Joy', is a large-scale crocheted wharenui (Māori meeting house) that embodies a vision of manifesting intergenerational healing and deeply felt joy. 

Lissy's Story: A Tapestry of Art and Resilience

Rudi's Path: From Forests to Yarn

Learn more about Wharenui Harikoa - lissyandrudi.com/wharenuiharikoa

This episode features Jonjon Tolovae Cowley Lupo, who is an original member of No.3 Roskill Theatre and part of its core group of creatives. Jonjon is the resident costume designer of No.3, costume designing their last 3 shows. She is also one of the performers and contributes to the writing and devising of work created by the cohort. 

She has recently finished working alongside Lindah Lepou costume assisting Lindah in “Aiga” by Lusi Faiva, presented by Touch compass during the 2024 Auckland arts festival. In performance, Jonjon has been a staple performer within the LGBTQIA+/MVPFAFF+ arts scene, where she has contributed to shows as a writer, performer and dancer. She recently launched a pride program with No.3 during Auckland pride 2024 Lalaga Nuanua - Weaving Rainbows, with a focus on bringing together other brown queer artists to collaborate and network during events that included a Script reading of her script, Tapa making and an ongoing monthly Katas and Kava session. Alongside all of this she has been a member of the Aotearoa Ballroom scene since 2022 where she is a Commentator/Chanter and MC. 

This episode features Lance Fepuleai, also known as Lucky Lance. Lance is a Samoan Artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Part of the award-winning hip-hop trio Team Dynamite, he's also the founder and creative director behind Sky Pirates, a street wear entity sporting an art gallery that supports local artistic endeavours.

This episode, Elyssia speaks with Amiria Puia-Taylor. She is a proud daughter of the Moana who has been fortunate to shape her career being creative - a people weaver, place maker and cultural arts manager. Amiria has been working across the creative industries for 18 years. 

In this episode, we speak to Chantelle, Noah and Aniwa Whaiapu, part of the whanau behind Te Manawa, a Māori artist-led collective. Focused on leading transformational change in the creative sector in Tāmaki Makaurau, currently being developed by Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi.

This month we talk to Janaye Henry. Janaye is a Billy T nominated comedian, actor, and host of a new show for people who don’t watch the news - 2 Cents 2 Much. She enjoys creating content for people who don't often see themselves represented in the media. You can 2 Cents 2 Much here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-xxT3W4uRNY-TVnm86UoDkTLy3Ld7dga

This episode features Zoe Black and Jade Townsend. Zoe Black (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Pākehā) is the deputy director of Objectspace in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. She has been working in galleries for the past ten years. Her curatorial practice has focused on community development and advocating for critically under-represented craft and object art forms. Jade Townsend (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi) is a visual artist and storyteller working at the intersection of her Māori, Pākehā and British heritage. She runs Season Gallery in Tamaki Makaurau with Francis McWhannell. The gallery places a strong emphasis on curated exhibitions and public engagement.

A graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (receiving a Bachelor of Performing Arts), Brady's theatre credits include Fever: Return of the Ula (Fine Fatale); Black Ties (Te Rēhia Theatre Company and Ilbijerri Theatre Company); Astroman (Auckland Theatre Company); The Wizard of Ōtāhuhu (Mangere Arts Centre); and Larger Than Life (Te Rēhia Theatre Company.) 

In addition to local exposure, Brady spent a month portraying (and receiving rave reviews) prostitute Lucy Harris in the 1990 musical adaption of Jekyll & Hyde which had its run at the Hayes Theatre in Sydney. The role has traditionally been performed by cisgender actresses. 

In 2019, Brady was recognised by her peers in winning the Outstanding Newcomer Award at the Auckland Theatre Awards, something she dedicated to the encouragement and mentorship she receives as a member of the Kaupapa Māori troupe from indigenous performing arts theatre Te Pou.