Utu Ā Matimati - RWLF 2023 grantee
The Rule Foundation are proud to have been a supporter of Utu Ā Matimati through the Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy Fund 2023 (RWLF). Utu Ā Matimati are a multi-disciplinary Takatāpui arts collective creating publications and holding space to celebrate Takatāpui identity in Te Whanganui a Tara.
The RWLF was able to support the creation and printing of a zine publication created by and for Takatāpui, and since then the collective has grown to include an artists studio, housed in Toi Pōneke studios.
This studio enables the collective to offer space for artists and community. Kaiwhakahaere, Kauri Waihoea says “having physical space is so important, especially in this rent crisis, housing crisis, having a foundation where we can build on our kaupapa is amazing”.
Kauri explains the mission of Utu Ā Matimati is to share stories, experiences and celebration with community hoping that others will see,‘“Hey, we’re here. We’re pretty cool. We made it….We are now making our second issue - around mental health and queer youth. We are interviewing people in our community and emphasizing how we have used decolonization as a process in our own mental health spheres”
“It [the publication and the space] has been a really special and safe space for other Takatāpui to come and be around people like them, often for the first time. When we hold wānanga I see people come for the first time who are anxious and shy and by the end they have found a place of belonging”
“This is something that brought so much meaning to so many, something I am passionate about. It’s what I am here for. I would rather be doing this like than anything else”
The appetite for this kaupapa has been overwhelming, with support from the community and engagement from organisations such as Te Papa, te Pati Maori and the Green Party as well as hundreds of Takatāui rangatahi. This appetite taking even Kauri Waihoea by surprise. And they are just getting started.
The Rule Foundation is proud to be supporting this vital kaupapa and cannot wait to witness the impact of Utu Ā Matimati well into the future.
