Growing up, I struggled to learn because of a disability that affected my ability to read. I loved pictures and drawing because through them I could understand more about the world and also make myself understood. Art was a way for me to communicate and studying Art History has given me an even greater appreciation of the power of art to communicate.

Studying New Zealand Art History has given me a richer understanding of our country’s artistic heritage. It also provided me the opportunity to learn about my whakapapa. Now I want to study Art History at a postgraduate level so that I can learn about Māori art and our connections with the Pacific in greater depth.

I’ve been able to pass on the love for the subjects I study through volunteering as a student mentor for Te Pūtahi Atawhai—the University’s Māori and Pasifika student peer mentoring programme. I also had the opportunity to intern in the Art Department of Te Papa Tongarewa, an amazing experience that has helped encourage me to pursue a career in the arts. .

First and foremost, I chose to study Art History because I love art. Beyond this, Art History provided the opportunity to humanise those whom we perhaps can no longer understand. In essence, art exists as human record. The purpose of the art historian is to utilise art as a means of encapsulating all that it means to be human.

My studies have shifted my perspective of art history in ways I never would have imagined when I began my degree, and I am excited to see the direction art history takes in the future.

A significant factor for me, in deciding to come to Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was the city itself. Wellington is such a vibrant cultural mecca. The city’s museums, galleries, and music venues were a huge draw for me, as well as the sense of deep political and social engagement within the University community.

As an Art History student, we have had incredible visits to the Alexander Turnbull Library and Te Papa, which allowed us rare access to significant works of art within their collections. To have experienced being in close contact with works that have come to determine the trajectory of art in Aotearoa has been absolutely exhilarating.

I was awarded a scholarship position during my postgraduate studies. Through this, I have had the opportunity to curate my own exhibition, coordinate a large art collection, and complete a number of exciting tasks that have given me a taste of working in Wellington’s thriving art world. It is a fascinating time to be studying art history, particularly in Aotearoa New Zealand. I feel as if the discipline is in a real state of transformation, and I love being a part of the move towards a more inclusive, layered Art History programme at this University.

I’m the assistant curator of contemporary art and collections at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth. I provide curatorial and organisational support for exhibitions; liaising with artists, curators and Govett-Brewster staff to achieve the exhibitions from concept to installation. I’m also a freelance writer and am regularly published nationally for my writing on Māori and Pacific art practices in Aotearoa.

I loved studying at Wellington’s university because of all the people I met. The lecturers were thoughtful and generous with their time, and always critically insightful. I also enjoyed the access I had to excellent research tools—the Library has a wonderful collection, and the Turnbull Library is only down the road, as is Te Papa.

Wellington was a great place to study because of the many opportunities there are to engage with art and artists. I enjoyed getting to know the Adam Art Gallery, Enjoy Public Art Gallery, City Gallery, Te Papa, the Dowse and Pātaka, as well as the dealer galleries and artist-run spaces scattered around town.