Cultural practitioner Hinurewa te Hau will talk about ‘The korowai of life’, people’s connection to sense of place and belonging, at Survive & Thrive 2011.

She is one of three speakers holding Moa Moments sessions at the creative sector forum in Auckland on July 14.

In this Survive &Thrive TBI QnA, Hinu talks about how creative people can tell stories that transcend and transform communities.

"They see problems in an interesting and challenging way and they confront challenges because they seem to be acutely aware of what’s wrong with the world around them. Creatives and artists take their discontent and let it be their motivation to doing something constructive."

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

All day – except for that hour after lunch when you just want a nap in the sun.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

One friend described me as efficient and confident in style, another friend said - innovative and cool semi conservative but very stylish. My 16 year old daughter – structured perfectionist, detail orientated, focussed creative…..bless her little cotton socks – scary!

What aspect of your creative work gives you the biggest thrill?

Seeing ideas come to fruition……..concepts to reality

How does your environment affect your work?

Really important

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

I’m a big picture girl who understands details….

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

Only one – launching the Maori business centre was a buzz, but I would have to say Matariki Festival – now that’s a high…

Who or what has inspired you recently?

Elisabeth Vaneveld, Judith Speight, Sarah Trotman – woman who are making a difference to their sectors and our economy.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Know yourself; know your product understand the cultural environment in which you operate.

Tell us a bit about your background.

In my 20’s it was about being a young entrepreneur in the advertising sector with a focus on design and print, so I set up a company at the change of technology from hot metal type to the age of desktop publishing and apple equipment, it was fun, exciting and new.

In my 30’s in between marriage and my only child it was about being at the forefront of cultural tourism and creating cultural heritage projects that brought communities together.

In my 40’s it has been about being the strategist, advisor in economic development and how our culture our heritage can sustain our communities through our stories and our creative communities are the perfect community to build our stories.

Tell us a bit about your session, Grow: The korowai of life, at Survive & Thrive.

Aotearoa – New Zealand: a unique world view; how can you engage with that to grow value for us, our businesses and our communities.

The korowai of life is people’s connection to sense of place and sense of belonging. In business growing cultural connection is the précis of learned patterns of behaviour, values and beliefs; it is a way of life that engages social interactions and cultural characteristics of local communities that can shape development goals, cultivate innovation and create change.

One of the key questions being explored at Survive & Thrive is 'will she'll be right serve you right?' What is your reaction to this?

It reminds me that there are no quick fixes, that given the right tools and direction you can make change or begin to shift the culture of your business with passion and follow through that can lead to success.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received that's relevant to your career today?

Everything is achievable if you consider the solutions as options.

Why are artists and creative people important to New Zealand right now?

Creative people tell our stories that can transcend and transform communities.  They see problems in an interesting and challenging way and they confront challenges because they seem to be acutely aware of what’s wrong with the world around them. Creatives and artists take their discontent and let it be their motivation to doing something constructive.

Creative’s are our conscious.

What’s your big idea for 2012?

...focusing on the idea….nahhh
growing Matariki Festival as a world class indigenous festival.

Further information:

Hinu specialises in cultural management, particularly creating cultural frameworks for creative entrepreneurs and social enterprises. Her vocation as a strategist, advisor, and implementer for the past decade has been to work collaboratively across the public and private sectors as a conduit for cultural & economic transformation.

Hinu is a member of the team delivering ART Venture, an acceleration programme for creative entrepreneurs working in the Auckland region. She is also the Executive Director of the first ever Maori Business Centre in the Auckland Region, responsible for its development and growth. As the Chair of the newly formed Matariki Festival Trust, Hinu also has a leading role in the three year transition plan for Auckland region’s 'Matariki Festival' including moving the Festival from Council control to a newly established Charitable Trust.

Hinu is holding a Moa Moments session at Survive & Thrive 2011 in Auckland on July 14.