The School of Creative Industries celebrated its mid-year graduating class in the Bachelor of Design and Contemporary Art at Te Pūtahi, B108 on Thursday.
The evening was filled with pride and aroha as ākonga, kaimahi, whānau and friends gathered to honour this milestone.
The Toi Whakatipu Exhibition is a powerful showcase of work from the graduating cohort and their creativity, courage, and critical thinking.
The event opened with a karakia led by Kaihautū, Hohepa Renata, followed by special acknowledgements from Head of School, Dr Vanessa Byrnes and Academic Programme Leader, Peeti Lamwilai, who reflected on the journey of this remarkable class.
“To our graduating class — your journey began in 2022, stepping into a programme still finding its form. You didn’t just learn in it you helped shape it,” Lamwilai remarked.
“Over the three years, you’ve painted, printed, protested, performed, and prototyped — asking big questions and, through this exhibition, you offer bold, beautiful provocations in return.
“To whānau, friends, and our creative community — this show is more than a display. These are translations of thought, identity, and imagination. Each piece invites you to feel, not solve.”
Three ākonga were recognised for their outstanding work.
Toi Whakatipu Award Recipients:
🏆 Bryony Matthew — Academic Achievement in Contemporary Art
🏆 Sarah Bailey — Academic Achievement in Design
🏆 Tevin Wharepouri — Ngākau Māhaki Award
The Toi Whakatipu exhibition is open to the public until 18 July at Te Pūtahi, Building 108, Mt Albert Campus from Mon-Fri during normal business hours.
Dr Byrnes thanked everyone involved for bringing this event to life and was looking forward to following the graduates in their creative journeys as alumni.
