Maori Art and Design degree students Tamara Whenuaroa (left) and Chemice Ahu with Associate Professor Steve Gibbs  helping install the Hou Tiaki E exhibition which opens in the Toihoukura Gallery in Cobden Street this week.

Some of the best pieces of indigenous art made by EIT Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts degree students this year have been installed in the  Maia Gallery at Toihoukura for public display.

The exhibition “Hou Taiki E” (getting it out to the world) opens this evening (Thursday) and will remain on display over the holiday period when the exhibition traditionally attracts many holiday visitors.

Toihoukura is regarded as the National School of Māori Art and Design and the work done by third year degree students usually sells quickly.

But apart from giving the students an opportunity to earn some money, Hou Taiki E gives them the opportunity to showcase the best of their work to family, friends and the public.

The works on display are the epitomy of what they have achieved during their final year studies, and part of their final assessments for Te Toi o Ngā Rangi, the Bachelor of Māori Visual Art.

The exhibition is a vibrant one, featuring a diverse range of mediums, including paintings, drawings, prints, photography, films and digital designs.

Students will next week critique it themselves, outlining their topic and the research they have undertaken in evolving their imagery. 

Toihoukura lecturer and programme co-ordinator Erena Koopu says the students have organised the exhibition and its formal opening entirely themselves, as part of their professional practice assessments.

On Thursday evening, at the exhibition opening, the sought after Ruanuku award for the top Māori Visual arts student will be awarded to Toihoukura’s top degree student.

This award, and a series of scholarships investing in indigenous art, are made possible by the generous annual donation by Dr Jack Richards, a long time supporter of Toihoukura and its vision.