Tok

Talanoa

CELEBRATING MELANESIA

Tok Talanoa invites you to engage in thought-provoking conversations and workshops from artists, to celebrate brilliance and deepen your understanding of Melanesia.

Thought-Provoking Conversations

Tok Talanoa creates space for meaningful dialogue and knowledge sharing that challenges perspectives, sparks curiosity, and invites deeper reflection on ideas that matter.

Community & Connection

Tok Talanoa is a gathering place — fostering connection, respect, and shared learning between people, cultures, and generations.

Celebrating Artistic Brilliance

We spotlight artists, thinkers, and cultural leaders whose work honors creativity, storytelling, and the power of expression across Melanesia.

  • "It was excellent. I was very impressed at the organizing and the variety of people who spoke and presented."

    Larry Thomas, Former Director of the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies

  • "No notes - keep going in the direction you are going! "

    - Attendee

  • "Amazing! Full days but feeling blessed to have listened to stories being told generously and in particular to have witnessed the meaningfulness of people gathering and feeling comfortable sharing space together."

    — Attendee

  • "It was amazing. Really well organised with a range of activities. With there being a much smaller Melanesian community, even more so Papua New Guinean community, it was really nice to be able to share in this experience with other members of the community here in Wellington."

    — Attendee

  • "Absolutely enlightening. Connecting to artist from the pacific and giving a stage to showcase our unique cultures was Everything!! We want more!!!!"

    —Attendee

  • "Wonderful experience, amazing programme over the weekend with an array of incredible people sharing their work and experiences. I connected and was sooo moved by the PNG chants and singing. Thank you and hope this is a regular thing please. Loved the whole experience. The food was yummy!!!"

    — Attendee

  • "More workshops. More socialising and more of these events please."

    Attendee

  • ""Great communication from the organisers. Excellent manaakitanga transporting us to venues and airport trips. Brilliant talanoa.

    - Luisa Tora, Veiqia Project

Gathering Thought, Shaping Futures

Developed with intention and care, Tok Talanoa supports meaningful dialogue where considered thinking leads to lasting cultural impact.