Experiencing Cultural Aotearoa
 A Guide for Kāpō Māori

This resource guide provides practical information for connecting with cultural experiences across Aotearoa New Zealand. Developed with and for Kāpō Māori, this guide brings together insights about making the most of museums, performances, marae visits, and other cultural experiences throughout the motu.

What Makes a Venue Accessible?

Essential Features

When planning your visit to cultural venues, look for these key accessibility features:
  • Audio description services
  • Touch tours
  • Large print and braille materials
  • Accessible websites
  • Guide dog friendly policies
  • Staff training
  • Audio guides
  • Tactile maps
  • Good lighting
  • High contrast signage
  • Tactile pathways

Questions to Ask

Before visiting, consider asking:
  • "Do you offer audio description for exhibitions or performances?"
  • "Are touch tours available?"
  • "Can materials be provided in large print or braille?"
  • "Are guide dogs welcome?"
  • "Is there a staff member who can assist with navigation?"
  • "Are there any tactile or sound-based elements in the exhibition?"
  • "Can lighting be adjusted in certain areas if needed?"

Marae Visits: Cultural Considerations

Before Your Visit

  • Contact in advance - Many marae are happy to accommodate accessibility needs if given notice
  • Ask about the physical layout - Understanding the space helps with navigation
  • Discuss protocol modifications - Some aspects of pōwhiri may be adapted while maintaining cultural integrity
  • Arrange for support - Identify who will assist you during the visit
  • Bring your own devices - Consider bringing devices that assist you with normal activities

During the Visit

  • Hongi considerations - Let people know the best way to guide you for hongi
  • Seating placement - Request seating where you can hear clearly during whaikōrero
  • Karanga participation - Discuss how you can participate in or experience the karanga
  • Food service (hākari) - Ask for assistance if needed during meal service
  • Orientation assistance - Request a description of wharenui carvings and layout

Transportation Solutions

Public Transport Resources

Making the Most of Different Cultural Experiences

Museums and Galleries

  • Book ahead - Schedule tours designed for blind and low vision visitors
  • Ask about tactile elements - Some exhibitions have touchable components
  • Seek detailed descriptions - Staff can often provide verbal descriptions of visual elements
  • Use technology - Some museums offer specialized apps with audio content
  • Look for multi-sensory exhibits - Exhibitions with sound, smell, or touch components

Performance Arts

  • Audio-described performances - Look for specially scheduled performances with audio description
  • Pre-show touch tours - Some performances offer opportunities to feel costumes, props, or stage elements
  • Select appropriate seating - Request seats where acoustics are best if audio is important
  • Bring binoculars or monoculars - Helpful for low vision attendees
  • Program notes - Request accessible formats of program information

Helpful Technology

Apps and Tools

  • Be My Eyes - Connect with sighted volunteers for visual assistance
  • Seeing AI - App that narrates the visual world
  • Google Lookout - Identifies objects and text in the environment
  • Soundscape - Provides audio cues about surroundings
  • Envision AI - Reads text, identifies people and objects

Cultural Venues with Strong Accessibility Features

Notable Venues

Connecting with Other Kāpō Māori

Community Resources

Useful Contacts

Support Organizations

Did you know? The term 'kāpō' has deep significance in te reo Māori, literally meaning 'night' (pō) and 'to catch or touch' (kā). This beautifully describes experiencing the world through touch in darkness—a concept that predates and differs from Western medical terminology.