Yesterday afternoon in the workshop. Sefton Rani and I spent time with dear friend and extremely talented Stephen Brookbanks working through object support, balance, and the engineering that makes a work feel effortless. The things you don’t see that make everything else hold. 🖤🖤🖤 New sculpture in progress. Drawings in motion, decisions locking in, scale starting to assert itself. Come August, this project takes over the entire ground floor of @theartshousetrust . For now, a glimpse behind the scenes. 🌹 @object_support 🔨

Gave our Pātū Tāniko from Te Rūma Kohanga Reo another life, now installed at my kōtiro’s Puna Reo o Ritimana 🖤❤️🤍💛 These spinning blocks were created as part of the show Te Rūma @objectspace alongside @elisapeta__ and curated by @zoe.a.black , and now ready to stand up to the real test of daily tamariki at play! Mo ngā mokopuna te take!

Bogan wetland restoration. As we inspected the environs of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea for interesting plants and environments, an unexpected pleasure awaited us near Lake Wānaka's shoreline. In a shining example of making ecological lemonade from lemons, we encountered a clever restoration project in which ephemeral wetland species are being assisted to populate the seasonally flooded ruts left behind by 4WD vehicles (now excluded by fences). Although vehicles almost invariably cause damage to native plant populations, it is also true that our assumptions about idealised habitats are not always correct. The movements of livestock often help to (ironically) maintain the openness that certain threatened species require - a semi-natural state that doesn't fit with purist notions of conservation. In this instance, a human imprint that is unnatural in both form and intent has been turned towards a counter-intuitive purpose. This kind of innovative approach expands the possibilities for the kinds of places in which we can encourage populations of our rare and threatened native plants - even in de facto linear wetlands left behind by Central Otago petrolheads.

Te rūma kōhanga reo✨ a little nostalgic sanctuary @elisapeta__ and I created as part of the exhibition Pohewa Pāhewa currently on show @objectspace . It is a homage to the pūrakau and visual imagery that inspired the kōhanga reo generation and the mātua who fought to bring our Māori language nests to life. The rūma features the pukapuka from me and Peta’s childhood; a waituhi filled spinning tāniko wall made with the help of @object_support ; a plush whāriki made with the support of @nodi.studio_ and the central focal point, the incredible tuna watakirihi o te Tiriti o Toa made by @hardkoa_harikoa 🖤 Curated and pulled together by the wonderful @zoe.a.black no less! Last three pics of the rūma in action by @sebcharles on the launch of the monograph!! 🖤 @objectspace

Exhibition ‘Ma 間’ at The Art House Trust - Opened 🪑 Please visit and sensing your version of Ma. It’s on for 2 months! Ma is an exploration of space, connection, and transformation, curated by Yuka O’Shannessy, @yukaandtristan Director of Public Record. The word Ma (間) is a Japanese concept often translated as “gap,” “space,” or “interval.” It refers to the space that creates harmony between elements. In this exhibition, Ma is expressed as a series of intentional pauses, moments of tension, openness, and calm, that invite reflection and connection within an environment. Ma is not emptiness, but potential: it has the power to shift perception, evoke emotion, and inspire new ways of seeing. Ma invites viewers to slow down and engage with the rhythm between objects, ideas, and people. Featuring works that are finely crafted and grounded in both heritage and personal expression, each piece offers a moment of stillness and intimacy. The tranquil setting becomes a kind of sanctuary, where beauty acts as a conduit for reflection, and a reminder of how art can shape our lives. Over the next few months, Ma will also come to life through a series of workshops, inviting you to engage more deeply with the ideas and artists behind them. I encourage people to visit this space a few times to immerse yourself in and see what comes to your mind observing these works in this environment. My hope is that this exhibition becomes not just a space you move through, but one you feel part of. A space that shifts gently with you, alive in the moments in-between. The exhibition features works from @theartshousetrust & @public_record_ selected artists. Some art works own by galleries - available to acquisition. Thanks to all the artist who’s involved, special thanks to @michaellettgallery @fhegalleries for loaning some art pieces. Lastly, big thanks to @anitatotha for the incredible opportunity and your wonderful team for making this show possible. Photo courtesy: Gallery images by @samuel_hartnett ‘Ma 間’ Curated by Yuka O’Shannessy @public_record_ At The Art House Trust, (72 Hillsborough St) 26 June - 31 Aug Open hours: Tue - Fri 9 am -3 pm Sat - Sun 10 am - 4 pm

In Japanese, ma (間) is the space between. Between sounds, gestures, and things. But it is not emptiness. It is where life gathers. Where silence allows a note to be heard more clearly. Where absence becomes a form of presence. At Art House Trust, Yuka O’Shannessy has curated a show that leans into this space. Ma offers a shift in tempo. A quiet arrangement of works drawn from a collection shaped by contradiction and history. Here, Peter Robinson’s voice from the 1990s sits beside the thoughtful restraint of Zac Langdon-Pole. Works by Finn Ferrier, Stephen Brookbanks, Bill Hammond, Bronwynne Cornish, Julia Morison, Amelia Fagence, Thomas Baker, and others breathe slowly in a room that holds them with care. There is beauty here, but it does not perform. It waits. It listens. It holds complexity with grace and invites tenderness in return. Ma poses poignant questions. What does it mean to inherit a collection marked by power and tend to it with humility? What happens when we trust in the quiet? @yukaandtristan @public_record_ @theartshousetrust 🖤🖤🖤

Studio visit with Stephen Brookbanks, shot by Sam Hartnett from Metro 436.

Gallery view. Swap the usual spot for the gallery space to match the mood of Namika Nakai’s sublime works. A lot of excitement to hold her solo show in New Zealand for us. We are open 10-4 throughout weekend. Hope you will enjoy this fine works from Japan too. All welcome. These gorgeous works of Namika’s are available, any enquiries - [email protected] New plinths by Stephen @object_support 📷 by @lizclarksonphoto

Joe Sheehan makes it all look so easy, but actually it takes a village. Thanks (as ever) to Stephen Brookbanks @object_support - without whom we would literally fall over. And to Murray and Gerrard from @rich_rigging - without whom we wouldn’t have been able to get up in the first place. “Corner of the Universe” Until Sat 09 April Link in Bio

Bar installation for Erin and Johnny Bar @twelve_tables Floral @floralstylist Venue Private address Furniture @flockevents Hair @hareandhuntersalon Make up @beautybyblairgamblin Linen @tble.linen.hire Tableware @royallaboratorie @theprettypropshop @insphire . . . #lit #goodtimes #weddingbar

A peek at part of the ceremony installation for Erin and Johnny today. A zesty,sculptural piece with an art gallery vibe 🍋🍋🍐🥭 Furniture,planning ,coordination @flockevents Marquee @twelve_tables Tableware @royallaboratorie @theprettypropshop @insphirenz Linen @tble.linen.hire Catering @nobiggie.food Bar @entouragenz Makeup @beautybyblairgamblin Hair @hareandhuntersalon Music @mixitdj.co.nz Floral supply @hansenflowers @whererosemarygrows @freshcutflowerwholesalers @willoughby_road @newzealandbloom @bloombrokers @fieldsfortuneflowers @lottiesbloomers Dress @kennyandharlowbridal

Anei he kūmara, ko Rere tõna ingoa. @lil.kina.head made this amazing taonga, it's a kūmara made from white unglazed clay. Hera, I think about our clay conversations and your whakaaro on Papatūānuku. Thank you @object_support for the metalwork lessons and the time and space to shuffle around the workshop. #kumara #uku #mahitoi #ngakaihangauku #learningtothinkinmetal