Palmerston North student artists celebrated at Ringa Toi

Students from two Palmerston North schools are featured in the Ringa Toi student exhibition at Te Papa in Wellington.

Ringa Toi showcases the artwork of ākonga (students) working towards NCEA, with a focus on Toi Māori and Pacific art.

“The New Zealand Qualifications Authority coordinates Ringa Toi to recognise and celebrate talented young artists as they work towards NCEA,” Jann Marshall, NZQA deputy chief executive of assessment, said.

Aria Webster-Pahina, Ariria Blackburn, Neve Matthews, Raukura Maraea Cecelia Hennessy and Te Maia Sweetman from Manukura, along with Aaliyah Taputoro-Duncalf, Arohaina Harrison, Breeana Sorensen-Tufuga and Thandi Yewen from Palmerston North Girls’ High School are among 150 students who have artworks included in the exhibition.

“Being recognised at an iconic national venue like Te Papa is a significant achievement for these artists and their kura, showing there are real opportunities to be recognised and celebrated as Toi Māori and Pacific artists,” Marshall said.

“For the first time, Ringa Toi has put a focus on Pacific artworks alongside Toi Māori, recognising the similar journeys of Māori and Pacific people.

“Our first Te Moana Nui a Kiwa Measina Award – for excellence in Pacific arts – has been won by Tiare Wichman from Auckland’s Avondale College.”

The Ringa Toi Student Exhibition is open to the public at Te Papa, 55 Cable Street, Wellington, from 10am to 6pm every day until Friday. Entry is free.

Artworks exhibited include: Toi Wharepora (contemporary and traditional weaving forms); Toi Whakairo (carving); Toi Matihiko (digital print where the reproduction processes have been completed by computer); Toi Matatuhi (printmaking such as intaglio); Toi Waituhi (paint, ink, and drawing); Toi Matarau (shaping and fashioning); Toi Whakaahua (photography with no digital manipulation).