The 11th annual Ringa Toi Student Exhibition opens in Porirua on Wednesday 16 September, bringing together Toi Māori and Pacific artwork created by students/ākonga working towards NCEA.
Coordinated by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), Ringa Toi provides a national platform for young artists to showcase their creativity, cultural identity and artistic excellence.
“Ringa Toi gives rangatahi a national platform to share their ideas, identities and creative excellence,” says Jann Marshall, NZQA Deputy Chief Executive Assessment.
Hosted at Pātaka Art + Museum in collaboration with Porirua City Council, and supported by Toi Māori Aotearoa and Creative New Zealand, the 2026 exhibition features 159 artworks from 53 schools and kura across Aotearoa.
Works are presented across eight categories:
- 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).
Established artists Kereama Taepa and Jack Kirifi will judge the artworks with Highly Commended and Commended awards being announced at the opening. Visitors to the exhibition can also vote for the People’s Choice Award recipient.
The exhibition is open to the public from 10am to 5pm daily, Wednesday 16 September to Wednesday 30 September, at Pātaka Art + Museum, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua. Entry is free.