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✨ Meet Our HBAA Judges! ✨

We are absolutely honored to introduce the incredible judging panel for our upcoming 12th Hibiscus & Bays Art Awards.

Natanahira Pona

Natanahira Pona is a highly accomplished Whakairo (Māori carving) tutor & project manager with a career spanning over three decades. Holding a Bachelor of Applied Visual Arts & a Diploma from the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, he combines deep cultural expertise with practical, `on-the-floor` management skills.

Known for a calm & diplomatic approach, he excels as a mediator between artists, local councils, & community stakeholders, ensuring complex projects—such as the Matariki Rotorua festivals & more recently the Lake House Sculpture Symposium—are delivered safely & efficiently. We look forward to having him be a part of our judging panel for this exhibition.

Wiremu Taniwha Kingi rauauko Ngahuia Retimana oku tipuna ki te taha ko taku Matua. Rangi Herewaka Rata rauako Paiahua Karena oku tipuna ki te taha ko taku whaea. Ko Tutete Taniwha Kingi rauauko Mailie Rata oku maatua. Nga Puhi, Tu Wharetoa, Ngati Awa, Te Aopouri, Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Porou, Te Arawa oku Iwi.
Ko Matangirau, Mangamuka, Hirangi, Tunohopu oku marae.

Paul Slater

By day, Paul is a Creative Director working in news media—an industry he has been a part of for more than 30 years. Although originally trained as an illustrator, He now spends his working week in front of a screen, which drives his passion for returning to his studio to get "paint under his fingernails."

For Paul, painting is a vital way to reconnect with the human instinct to observe, interpret, & express the world around us. In an era where technology is rapidly changing how we create & consume images, he believes the ability of artists to communicate lived experience, emotion & meaning is more essential than ever.

Whether an artist is exploring complex ideas or simply making marks that bring pleasure & connection, he views creative expression as one of the most distinctively human things we do. He is honored to join the judging panel for this year`s awards & looks forward to a selection of work he knows will be both inspiring & humbling.

mairangiarts

Experience vibrant ocean scenes by Sue Grey, featuring waves, sea turtles, whales, and glowing sunsets🌊

On display at MAC Art Space until 14 March🌺

#suegreyart #oceanpaintings #seascapeart #marinelifeart #artexhibition #galleryart #wavesandsunsets #seaturtleart #aucklandart

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🎨 APRIL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – BOOKINGS NOW OPEN! 🌟

With over 30+ creative workshops to choose from, there is something for every young artist at Mairangi Arts Centre this April!

From Split Clay Day and Clouded Skies painting to Gnome Homes and the Mask Making workshop—this is just a taste of what’s on offer. Whether your child is into pottery, painting, or mixed media, we have a space for them.

📍 Mairangi Arts Centre
🎒 All materials included.

Click the link in our bio to book their spot now, Spaces are filling fast!

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🎨 Exhibit at MAC Art Space 🎨

MAC Art Space (8 sqm) is one of the first areas visitors see when they enter our gallery✨

Showcase your artwork at this welcoming, high-traffic space where people gather for coffee, conversation, and connection - an ideal setting to gain visibility and connect with our community☕

Learn More: https://mairangiarts.co.nz/exhibition-hire/

#artgallery #artspace #exhibitart #artexhibition #visualartists #artcommunity #localartists #nzart #aucklandart #galleryexhibition #artistopportunity #creativecommunity

mairangiarts

🌼 Floral Dreams 🌼

Step into a world of botanical beauty✨

Experience Natalia Scott’s bright and inspiring art at Mac Artspace, on display until 28 February.

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🌺 Pop Up! a Cash and Carry Art Exhibition 🌺

Thank you to everyone who joined us for today’s opening!

It was a wonderful chance for artists and visitors to connect, share stories behind the artwork, and and celebrate creativity together🎨

This special exhibition is on view until 7 March.

mairangiarts

Many hands make light work! 🙌

Big love to the squad of AUT students who stopped by to help us with hanging artwork and upgrading the Arthouse. You guys crushed it!

🌟 MVP Shoutout: Huge thanks to Horowai for organizing the troops. We appreciate you!

mairangiarts

Do you have a birthday, anniversary, or special celebration approaching?✨

These stunning ceramic flowers, handcrafted by Wendy Greenough, are one of a kind and everlasting, making them a thoughtful gift to be treasured for years to come🌼