The national secondary schools’ Ringa Toi Student Exhibition has opened at Te Papa in Wellington, celebrating its tenth year showcasing Toi Māori and Pacific artwork by students working towards NCEA.
“We are delighted that this marks the tenth year of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) coordinating Ringa Toi to celebrate talented student artists,” says Jann Marshall, NZQA Deputy Chief Executive Assessment.
Delivered in partnership with The Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa Tongarewa, Toi Māori Aotearoa and Creative New Zealand, the exhibition contains 156 artworks from 126 secondary school ākonga around New Zealand, who are working towards achieving NCEA levels 1 - 3.
Artworks exhibited include:
- Toi Whakairo (carving)
- Toi Wharepora (contemporary and traditional weaving forms)
- Toi Matihiko (digital print where the reproduction processes have been completed by computer)
- Toi Matatuhi (printmaking)
- Toi Waituhi (paint, ink, and drawing)
- Toi Matarau (shaping and fashioning)
- Toi Whakaahua (photography with no digital manipulation)
- Kaupapa Pasifika (Pacific artwork).
Artworks in this year’s exhibition were judged by established artists Michel Tuffrey and Regan Balzer, with awards presented to the Highly Commended and Commended winners. Visitors to the exhibition can also vote for the People’s Choice Award recipient.
The Ringa Toi Student Exhibition is open to the public from 10am to 6pm every day until Sunday 28 September, at Te Papa, 55 Cable Street, Wellington. There is no charge for entry.
“Ringa Toi was inspired by the late Craig Callaghan, a kaiako (teacher) of Toi Whakairo at Gisborne Boys’ High School. A decade on, Craig’s legacy continues through the achievements of his ākonga, and in this exhibition,” Jann Marshall says.