Our very first online writing wānanga for the Toi Tangata Journal officially kicked off at the end of May, and what a beautiful way to begin.

Workshop one centred on whanaungatanga. Each of our contributing authors took the time to share their kaupapa through a short writing activity, offering a glimpse into the rich, diverse thinking that will shape our very first Journal issue. Together, we created a collective word cloud, 'What word comes to mind when you hear this kaupapa?', that captured the essence of all our kaupapa in one visual.

Beyond whakawhanaungatanga, we also explored a range of different article styles and writing structures, giving contributors a chance to think about the best format for expressing their whakaaro and kōrero. We then turned our attention to the practical side of writing, planning and goal setting, focussing in particular on how to carve out time to write amidst the realities of whānau, mahi, and life in general.

We're excited to see each piece unfold in the months ahead. Here's a look at our journey to the journal release timeline:

Writing wānanga 2: July 2025

Writing Retreat: September 2025

Peer Review: October 2025

Final Article Submission: December 2025

Journal Release: Toi Tangata Hui ā-Tau 2026

It's exciting to see the progress of the kaupapa already and we're looking forward to the journey ahead. Ngā mihi nui to our amazing contributing authors, this process wouldn't be possible without you, your mahi, and kaupapa to share.