We are not for profit youth arts organisation co-designed & co-led by a collective of young creatives who live, work, study and/or whakapapa to Onehunga. Under the korowai values of Aroha, Tautoko and Manaakitanga we operate as a social enterprise model who are in the 'business' of arts education, arts activation and arts hustle (social entrepreneurship) 6 days a week in alignment to the Maramataka, our māori lunar calendar. 

Located in the heart of Onehunga, besides Te Manukanukatanga o Hoturoa and at the feet of our tupuna maunga ō Maungakiekie, Te Pane o Mataoho and Maunga Rarotonga. You can find us on the corners of Paynes Lane & Brays Rise opposite Dress Smart and behind The Native Studios offering the local community of Onehunga.

Paying homage to the infamous '312' bus route that no longer exists, The 312 Hub pronounces it's name as a daily 'in your face' reminder of it's culturally rich, socially diverse (historically unfair) past times and it's forever evolving socio-economic struggles of the 'classes' through change, creativity, community and culture. The 312 Hub aims to be a symbol of hope and 'gentri-prevention' for the next generation to have a place on 'the tables' of decision making where young voices need to be heard.

What is our ‘Why?’ 

In recognition of Auckland City’s need to grow and regenerate spaces within Onehunga for our communities to live, work and socialise in, there is a need prioritise youth voices to ensure that planning is future-proofed and includes robust consultation where community and youth are included. The 312 Hub is a collective response to the needs of local youth and their feelings with the upcoming changes to the Onehunga area. In order to ensure the transformation of Onehunga has youth voices at the decision-making table, The 312 Hub is designed to weave their voices into the minds of those responsible for transforming and regenerating Onehunga by making it a safe place where youth lead. A space to gain professional and creative development, learn and practice creative entrepreneurship and feel safe to just chill out and hang out with their friends.

This kaupapa was dreamt up by co-founders Jaimie Waititi & Amiria Puia-Taylor in June 2017 over late night sessions and 'window board' planning sessions with the support of local rap group SWIDT and our local Onehunga community in response to a 2016 UNICEF Report that highlighted the need to support young people as Aotearoa, New Zealand was labelled as one of the countries in the world who had one of the highest records of youth suicide.

Thanks to the support to the many hands who helped make this work lighter to carry, our founding members Sabrina Puia, Bobby MacDonald, Mama Rose, Natarlia Tui, Jermaine Deane, Joseph Puia-Taylor, Olivia Tuimaseve as well as the wider community including Aotearoa Urban Arts Trust, Studio 40, Dawnraid, Tautai Pacific Arts Trust, Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau, our Maungakiekie Tāmaki Local board, Auckland Council Panuku Development Auckland their 25 year Transform Onehunga Development plans, The 312 Hub was able to establish itself as an organisation in December 2017. Opening its doors on 10th March 2018 and thankfully 

What are we? (in-depth) 

Inspired by the work of the late Kuia Ngāneko Minhinnick and the people of Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Ngā Tamatoa, The Polynesian Panther Party and their community initiatives such as the Homework Centre, The 312 hub is 'a home to be understood' for young creatives to unlock their potential. A once upon a time vacant commercial property leased to The Rangatahi Ltd (Our Business Entity), we re-purposed the two level building to be a creative space with an Events Space (Upstairs) , a Youth Zone for young people to hang out and also a Polynesian Panthers’ Corner to encourage education - because we know 'Knowledge is Power' adorned by vibrant mural work painted by our resident artist Articulate_UV. 

Meanwhile, downstairs offers a variety of creative spaces for all art forms, from The Boom Box Studio led by local rapper Taystemaker for music enthusiasts, The Design Lab for young people passionate about digital media, graphic design, apparel and sign writing, a Hood School Boardroom for team meetings or creative think tanks. Last but not least, we have our production space for freelance artists looking for space needing to get their art pieces across the finish line next to our in-house resident mural artists' creative space where you can see him working live in action.