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.

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