02/07/2026
Kia ora kōutou - Today we had the pleasure of opening ' Te Wharekai o Hōhepa' at Te Whare o Rei / Rei Gallery, a creative exhibition showcasing visual art works of artists from Hōhepa who have participated in a 10-week programme at the Carving Centre.
At the beginning of this journey, each artist sat together in kōrero. Rather than speaking about materials or techniques, we spoke about one another. We recognised the qualities, strengths, personalities, and unique gifts that each person carries. Those conversations became the seeds from which every artwork in this exhibition has grown. Each creative work is therefore more than an object. It is a reflection of identity. It is a celebration of character. It is a visual expression of the mana each artist brings into the world.
Within these walls you will encounter humour, kindness, courage, patience, curiosity, resilience, imagination, aroha, and joy. These qualities cannot be measured, yet they shape every relationship we have and every community we belong to.
Like a shared meal prepared with care, each artwork has been created as a koha.
Together they invite us to slow down, to look beyond first impressions, and to recognise that every person has something of value to contribute.
Te Wharekai o Hōhepa runs up until Wednesday 8th July. Mauri ora
