Last updated July 2026
Toi Pōneke Arts Centre is Wellington City Council’s arts facility that supports local artists through gallery exhibitions, studio spaces, classes, and creative programmes. The centre operated at 61–69 Abel Smith Street in Te Aro from 2005 until May 2026. It has now relocated to a new purpose-designed space at 3 Market Lane and been rebranded Toi Aro following a comprehensive re-imagining process developed with mana whenua and the creative sector.
Practical Information
| Current Address | 3 Market Lane (corner of Cable Street and Market Lane), Wellington |
| Opening | Hireable spaces available from 1 July 2026; new website toiaro.nz live from 11 June 2026 |
| Hours | Weekdays 10am–8pm, weekends 10am–4pm (subject to programme changes at new site) |
| Admission | Free entry to gallery exhibitions; classes, workshops and room hire are ticketed or charged |
| Website | toiponeke.nz (redirects to new Toi Aro site) and toiaro.nz |
About Toi Pōneke
Toi Pōneke Arts Centre opened in 2005 after residents of upper Cuba Street approached Wellington City Council to preserve artistic community space threatened by rising rents and the Inner-City Bypass construction. The facility has supported hundreds of artists and organisations through studio rentals, residencies, exhibitions and professional development opportunities.
The centre provides gallery space for contemporary exhibitions, professional dance and rehearsal studios, visual arts classes for adults and children, and a programme of performances, workshops and artist talks. It has operated as a hub for emerging and established New Zealand artists across visual arts, performing arts and other creative disciplines.
In 2024–2026 the centre underwent a major re-imagining project aligned with the Aho Tini 2030 Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy. The new model emphasises a Tuakana-Teina approach of mentorship and reciprocal learning between experienced and emerging practitioners, with fixed-term rentals and a focus on career development pathways.
The Move to Market Lane and Rebranding
Toi Pōneke closed its Abel Smith Street premises on 31 May 2026. The new facility at 3 Market Lane occupies 1,959 square metres across three levels of a seismically sound character building with high ceilings and natural light. The building was blessed on 22 May 2026 and the name Toi Aro was gifted by mana whenua.
Toi Aro is grounded in mana whenua kawa and tikanga and operates as a Tiriti-led facility. It aligns with the Tākai Here partnership, Aho Tini 2030 strategy and Te Awe Māpara Community Facilities Plan. The smaller but flexible space supports multiple art forms and continues the centre’s role in Wellington’s creative ecosystem while operating within the 2024–34 Long-term Plan funding parameters.
What Visitors Often Say
Artists and visitors describe the centre as a welcoming, collaborative environment that supports both emerging and established practitioners through affordable studio space and professional development opportunities.
Reviewers note the value of the gallery programme for discovering contemporary New Zealand work and appreciate the central location and accessible facilities at the new Market Lane site.
Where to Learn More
Toi Pōneke / Toi Aro official site: current exhibitions, class programme, room hire and transition updates.
Wellington City Council – Re-imagining Toi Pōneke: project background, timeline, vision and new facility details.
Toi Aro new website: bookings, rental applications and programme information at the Market Lane location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Toi Pōneke gallery free to enter?
Yes, gallery entry remains free. Classes, workshops and room hire are charged separately.
Where is Toi Pōneke now located?
The centre has moved to 3 Market Lane (corner of Cable Street and Market Lane) in central Wellington, with hireable spaces available from 1 July 2026.
Has the centre changed its name?
Yes, the re-imagined facility has been gifted the name Toi Aro by mana whenua while continuing under the Toi Pōneke project umbrella.
What does Toi Pōneke offer?
Gallery exhibitions, studio and rehearsal space for hire or rental, arts classes, residencies, mentoring and a programme of performances and workshops.
What are the current opening hours?
Weekdays 10am–8pm and weekends 10am–4pm, though hours may vary with the new programme and should be confirmed on the website.
Can I hire studio or rehearsal space?
Yes, limited-term licensed rental spaces and bookable rooms are available at the new Market Lane site. Applications and bookings are managed through the Toi Aro website.
When did the move take place?
Activities at Abel Smith Street ended on 31 May 2026. The new facility opened progressively in June–July 2026.
Is the new space accessible?
Toi Aro is designed to be inclusive and physically accessible for all communities in line with the Te Awe Māpara Community Facilities Plan.
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