"I was always interested in fire fighting but never really knew how to approach it but my cousin pushed me each day to finally do it".
Aiyanna Bates-Wellm, Year 12. 2026
"Throughout my life, I have been told to "learn" the language but it was never passed down or taught within my family that has many fluent speakers. In my family not one millennial or gen z speaks Niuean fluently."
Analyn Pulefale, Year 13. 2025
"These pictures feature the customary practice of “mata Whakarewa” which involves painting one’s face with traditional red ochre pigment. The models represent a race of people called Patupaiarehe which inhabit rainforest. These people taught Māori multiple customary practices such as tattooing, weaving and playing traditional Māori instruments."
Taipua Kipa & Cheyanne Heka, Year 13. 2025
Congratulations to Taipua Kipa, awarded scholarship in painting and Cheyenne Heka awarded scholarship in photography.
"This natural connection has allowed me to feel a deep sense of belonging to my Māori heritage, even if I have not been able to engage with it in a conventional way. I now see that my Maoritanga can be expressed through the land, the water, and the sky taiao because to me that has always been a source of guidance, peace, and spiritual fulfillment. Through these natural environments, I am learning to embrace and honor my Māori roots in a way that is meaningful to me. ‘Mauri o te taiao’ has become an important part of my journey towards self-discovery and a deeper understanding of who I am as a Māori individual."
Cheyanne Heka, Year 13. 2025.
Note: Awarded Scholarship for Photography.
Congratulations Wendy Guan, awarded Scholarship in Level 3 Design!
What are you studying this year?
I will be studying for a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Auckland this year.
What has Visual Arts Meant to you in your schooling?
Visual Arts in school has become a comfort space outside of my home where I can freely express my creativity and passion for creating. It has allowed me to communicate my artistic ideas while exploring various media, cultures, and themes. Visual Arts has simultaneously taught me a lot about the arts while also helping me to improve myself everyday.
How do you stay creative?
I stay creative by getting inspired through moodboards, peers, or viewing artworks in-person, and remembering to not put too much pressure on myself. This means taking breaks, slowing down, and refreshing my mind by doing what I love -whether it is hobbies or simply just taking a walk.
My 3 tips for Visual Art Students are to:
1. Take advantage of your resources: create moodboards of what you aim for, ask teachers and peers for feedback, etc.
2. Don't be afraid of when you're in a "slump", take a break and try again when you've regained the spark to create.
3. And definitely do not leave everything to the last minute! :)
Scholarship Painting- Awarded to Taipua Kipa. He also gained scholarship sculpture. Hes off to Elam this year and you can follow his mahi at @taku_taiao . We look forward to seeing what he makes next at Art School
