The "Art as a Healing Pathway" workshops in Dargaville, funded by Foundation North, are led by local Māori artist Mark Lang from The Generator programme. Managed by Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa’s The Generator team, in collaboration with Rose Tei - Lived Experience Partner for Waitemata & Te Tai Tokerau for Tangata Whaiora accessing our Ngā Manu Tau - Community Day Program support service. These 9-week workshops offered a wealth of tools to maintain wellness, spiritual & cultural connection, self-expression, and to explore skills they are now confident to use on their own.

Participants in Mark Lang's carving workshops at Tika Pono Toi Art Gallery reported learning new skills, feeling happier and prouder of their culture, and being excited to gift their creations. The workshops also significantly boosted their connection, mental and spiritual wellbeing, and mana.