Te Kohinga Atua - an Exhibition by Toi Shenanigans

Participating artists were invited to draw inspiration from the creation narratives and the various atua who shaped the natural world, using these as a foundation for their own creative exploration. Through diverse mediums and perspectives, the works reflect on themes of connection, kaitiakitanga, whakapapa, and the interplay between the seen and unseen realms. Collectively these expressions honour the spiritual forces that continue to inform, guide and nurture the evolving relationship between people, place and the natural world within Te Ao Māori.

Toi shenanigans are a group comprised of Toi Paematua graduates from Te Wananga o Aotearoa and their much-loved former Kaiako Lila Te Kani. Her mentorship, patience and gentle guidance have deeply influenced each artist’s journey in toi Māori. United by a shared respect for mātauranga Māori and a passion for creative expression, this exhibition celebrates their first time exhibiting together outside the classroom: a heartfelt continuation of the whanaungatanga…