Huakina 'to open' Exhibition Facilitated by The Learning Connexion

Huakina 'to open'

21 September – 1 December 2019
Expressions Whirinaki, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt

This exhibition was a rare opportunity to view work made by prisoner artists from around New Zealand alongside well-known guests artists including Shane Hansen, Sean Duffell, John Walsh, Wi Taepa, Nigel Brown and Flox.

An innovative exhibition by TLC's Restricted Programmes students and guest artists. Curated by The Learning Connexion, all artists received an identical wooden box to respond to, each exploring the limits of their own creative potential.

The resulting works are expressive, original and enchanting. They shine a light on prison art in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Huakina – Opens New Pathways for Prisoners 

Huakina means “to open” in te reo Māori. For people in prison across Aotearoa New Zealand, art can be a powerful way to open up new forms of expression – and ultimately pathways back to a life on the outside.

In 2019, The Learning Connexion School of Creativity and Art, in partnership with Expressions Whirinaki Arts and Entertainment Centre, curated Huakina – to open: a landmark exhibition featuring works by students in our Restricted Programmes alongside celebrated New Zealand guest artists including John Walsh, Wi Taepa, Nigel Brown, Shane Hansen, Dale Copeland, Sean Duffell, Flox, and others.

The Exhibition

Over 120 works were created in response to an identical wooden box. Students from 14 prisons had 12 weeks to transform their box into an artwork. The results were imaginative, powerful, and deeply personal - ranging from flora and fauna motifs to a sculpted fist breaking free from confinement.

The exhibition highlighted both the constraints and freedoms of life, and reminded viewers of the walls we build around ourselves as well as the hope of breaking through them.

“Every individual has something important to say to the world… The journey of creating art can give you strength, knowledge, and a unique experience that enables you to enjoy life.”
– Darcy Nicholas, Contemporary Māori Artist

Why It Matters

For many students in prison, Huakina was the first time their work was shown in a public gallery. Creativity programmes in prisons help to:

• Build essential life skills such as problem-solving, commitment, and confidence

• Provide new forms of communication and self-expression

• Support rehabilitation and pathways to reintegration

• Gain NZQA-recognised qualifications for those who may not have any formal qualifications

One participating student reflected:

“I was quite honoured to have been asked to be a part of it… I’ve never really had the chance to be involved in anything like this. I hope it does some good for some people.”
– Student, Christchurch Prison

Community Impact

Artworks from Huakina were auctioned via Trade Me, with proceeds donated to Victim Support. This initiative provided a meaningful way to give back and support the wider community and those affected by crime.

Related Media

Click here to read the Arts Access article 'Huakina opens new pathways for prisoners'

Exhibition Details

Huakina 'to open'
21 September – 1 December 2019
Expressions Whirinaki, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt