Merran Davis, David Glover and Hohepa Renata viewing the Mahi a Toi exhibition.
Our Level two Mahi a Toi students recently wowed their whānau, friends and our Executive Leadership Team with an exhibition showcasing their work.
The Mahi a Toi programme began three years ago and is a partnership between Rutherford College and Bridging Education. When the UPC was formed, Mahi a Toi moved into the suite of courses offered out of this space and while led by Rutherford College, participating schools now include Waitākere College, Massey High School and most recently this year Te Kura Kaupapapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae and Ngā Puna o Waiōrea.
It introduces NCEA Level two and three students to programmes at Unitec, led by Lecturers Hohepa Renata and Micheal Freeman with support from UPC. The 10-week programme contributes to NCEA, and gives the students a taste of tertiary study, with a focus on connecting with their own whakapapa as young Māori and expressing this through art.
David Glover getting a closer look at some of the work in the Mahi a Toi exhibition.
The students were given 60 hours to learn a new computer programme and use it to design a series of works personal to them, with special reference to their familial and cultural heritage. The work they produced was a stunning reflection of their talents.
Along with family and friends of the students, ELT members Merran Davis, Glenn Mckay and David Glover were on hand to meet with the group and admire their innovative works.
Mahi a Toi students performing at the exhibition in Te Puna.
The students also performed beautiful waiata and haka to an appreciative and emotional audience.
Students with their whanau and teachers at the Mahi a Toi exhibition.
Level three students from Ngā Puna o Waiōrea, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori O Waititi Marae and Rutherford College will exhibit their work on Friday 4 October.
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One of the displays at the Mahi a Toi exhibit.
