About

WHO WE ARE

In other words, Ōtaki (IOWŌ) / Kia rerekē te hua, Ōtaki is a group of residents with a passion for storytelling in all its forms. We’re excited to be launching this five-place residency pilot in 2025, with a view to making it an annual affair.

Ōtaki is a small town with a big heart town on the  Kāpiti Coast, situated halfway between Wellington and Palmerston North. It’s proudly one of Aotearoa’s most bilingual towns and an educational hub. Tangata whenua are Ngāti Raukawa, a collective of five hapū: Ngāti Korokī, Ngāti Maiotaki, Ngāti Huia ki Katihiku, Ngāti Pare and Ngāti Kapumanawawhiti who make up Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki. 

With this rich Māori heritage, it’s home to Te Wānanga o Raukawa; and has great outdoor resources - an excellent place for fishing, surfing, hiking and rafting. It’s also home to many creatives, a ‘think outside the box’ mentality, and three internationally renowned Festivals: the Māoriland Film Festival, Festival of Pots and Garden Art, and the Ōtaki Beach Kite Festival.

OUR COMMITTEE

In other words, Ōtaki (IOWŌ) / Kia rerekē te hua, Ōtaki is a not-for-profit incorporated society (GST no.145-837-626). Members include:

Eleanor Aitken works at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment as the Principal Data Sharing Advisor; a long-term bach owner, she and her partner recently made Ōtaki their primary home.

Ann Chapman now retired, is previous owner of Ōtaki Mail, the previous Deputy Mayor of Kāpiti District Council, and a long-term Ōtaki resident.

Fenn Gordon has a 30-year career as a performing arts producer, working in both Aotearoa and Australia. She specialises in strategic development, producing and international touring. 

Merle Metekingi is Kaitiaki Whenua at Te Kura-a-iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano in Ōtaki and a 30-year Ōtaki resident. Alongside teaching, Merle is actively involved in varying community groups. 

Jacqui Simpson is the previous arts administrator for the New Zealand Youth Choir, and current founder/owner of Books & Co.

SonIa Speedy has worked in journalism and communications for over 20 years, including with newspapers, magazines and in radio. She also runs an online platform for parents at Familytimes.co.nz.

Grant Stevenson QSM, raised his family in Ōtaki and, after working in Wellington delivering major public events for 30 years, he retired here and now helps to develop a number of Kāpiti events and public facilities.

Three students from Ōtaki College are also involved in supporting the committee.

KEEN TO GET INVOLVED?

If you would like to be involved with our programme in some way, including joining the committee, helping to run events, or partnering with us, we'd love to hear from you at hello@iowo.org.nz.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

To reach our small group of volunteers, please contact:
hello@iowo.org.nz

MEDIA QUERIES

For queries and requests from media organisations, please contact:
media@iowo.org.nz