Kōpū is an iwi-led collective by the eight iwi of Te Tauihu (the top of the South Island) to increase the visibility of Toi Māori (Māori arts and culture) in the public realm of Whakatū Nelson.  Whakatū is ready for a future where our shared spaces reflect our place, our stories, and our identity.

We have three clear projects:  Nelson Airport ~ Play Space Whakatu ~ Bridge to Better

Together, we’re re-imagining a city that reflects who we are and where we come from.

Kōpū sets out to:

• Increase the visibility of toi Māori

• Secure new opportunities and investment

• Deliver iwi-led cultural projects that uplift our city and people

We imagine a city where:

• Toi Māori is visible and celebrated in our shared spaces

• Our rich whakapapa is expressed through art, design, and experience

• The built environment reflects who we are and where we come from

This is a movement to embed mana, meaning, and identity into the urban fabric of our rohe.

Kōpū is best known as Venus as a morning star — the sign of a new day approaching. 
It carries the symbolism of transition, transformation, and the promise of light on the horizon. 

Kōpū draws its identity from He Tātai Whetū – the constellation of stars that represents our collective creative and cultural strategy for Whakatū.

Where He Tātai Whetū is the wider constellation and strategy, Kōpū is the bright light that signals a new era — an era where toi Māori takes centre stage.

This kaupapa is our haeata - where artists, storytellers, and leaders chart a bold new path for Whakatū. Tukua te haeata!