Te Whare o Rei was founded by members of the Whakaraupō Carving Centre Trust in Raumati / Summer of 2023. Rei, a creative wāhine / feminine energy that informs Māori creative practice, provides a balance for our kaupapa at Te Whare o Rei and the Whakaraupō Carving Centre.

Located in the Takiwā of Ngāti Wheke, and a stone's throw away from the Whakaraupō Carving Centre, Te Whare o Rei became a way to bring a creative Māori kaupapa to the community. 

Within a short span of time, we have delivered numerous exhibitions highlighting an array of creative practices and artists. Rei also provides a space for learners, community groups and schools to present their mahi created at the Carving Centre through their participation in one of the kaupapa Māori Toi programmes that the Whakaraupō Carving Centre delivers to our communities.

Te Whare o Rei operates on the support from artists who are members of the Rei Collective and members of our local community.

The Rei Collective was formed in Raumati / Summer 2023 and hold kaitiaki of Te Whare o Rei. The Rei Collective is made up of both Māori and non-Māori creatives who all have different creative skillsets and creative mediums.