Creative black tie was the dress code for the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi’s Arts Gala Dinner on Friday night, held at the Auckland Town Hall. Held to fundraise for the organisation and its work in supporting the arts, the evening included a four-course dinner, created by Josh Emett, some live performances and the end of its annual arts auction. Alongside a ‘live auction’ on the night of some impressive artworks and experiences, there were some earlier digital auctions on offer – including a shopping date with Ensemble’s own co-founders Rebecca Wadey and Zoe Walker Ahwa - with $250,000 raised.

Around 300 guests were in the room, including artists Lisa Reihana, Fatu Feu'u and John Reynolds, actor Cliff Curtis, musician Ladi6, filmmaker Oscar Kightley, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith, Auckland deputy mayor Desley Simpson, gallerist John Gow, Keven Mealamu, Arts Foundation co-chairs Chelsea Winstanley and Kent Gardner, and fashion designers Caitlin Crisp and Murray Crane of Crane Brothers.

Photographer Willow Handy went along to capture some of the creative ensembles.