A new exhibition showcasing artworks by secondary school students from across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is now open at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. 

The Pat Hanly Creativity Awards exhibition, which opened on Saturday, 8 August, features a selection of the top student submissions responding to this year’s theme, Ko au te taiao | I am the environment. The 34 works in the exhibition were selected by Gallery staff for their creativity, originality and skill. 

More than 1000 ākonga from 29 schools took part in the project, visiting the Gallery’s exhibitions, participating in artist-led workshops from Reuben Paterson (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi) and developing their own creative responses in the classroom. 

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director of Auckland Art Gallery Dr Zara Stanhope says the project highlights the role art education plays in developing creativity as part of young people understanding and expressing their experiences of the world. 

“The Pat Hanly Creativity Awards give ākonga the opportunity to engage with an artist, explore ideas, develop their artistic voices and see their work presented within a public art gallery,” says Stanhope. 

“This year’s theme has encouraged students to consider their relationship with the environment as a shared fundamental concern, which they have expressed in thoughtful and imaginative ways. We are proud to create the opportunity where they can celebrate their achievements alongside their kaiako, schools and whānau.” 

Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson says the arts have an important role in Auckland’s future. 

“A thriving city needs people who can think creatively and imagine new possibilities. Supporting young people to participate in the arts strengthens Auckland’s cultural life today and helps nurture the artists and future leaders who will shape our city in the years ahead.” 

“Having your work selected for exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery is a significant achievement. The students represented should be very proud, and I congratulate the 1000 ākonga who took part in this year’s programme.” 

Established in 2002, the annual Pat Hanly Creativity Awards connects secondary school students with the Gallery and the wider arts community while recognising the value of creativity and visual arts education. 

The Pat Hanly Creativity Awards recognise the late artist’s outstanding contribution to New Zealand contemporary art, his passion for art education and his commitment to supporting young artists. 

The project is made possible with the generous support of the Gallery’s education partners: the Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust, the Friedlander Foundation, the Open Doors for Schools Fund, the Sir William and Lady Lois Manchester Charitable Trust, the ONE Foundation and Four Winds. 

The Pat Hanly Creativity Awards exhibition is open at Auckland Art Gallery until Sunday, 13 September 2026. Entry is free. 

List of exhibiting Pat Hanly Creativity Awards 2026 artists with schools: 

• Sam Shaw, 17, Albany Senior High School
• Mikala Puia, 17, Aorere College
• Charlie Balle, 17, Auckland Grammar School
• Jez Fangupo, 17, Birkenhead College
• Graciela Jocelyn Setyadi, 18, Elim Christian College Mt Albert
• Kate Stevens, 17, Glendowie College
• Lily Lei, 17, Green Bay High School
• Lilly Clements, 17, Green Bay High School
• Mimonofoalofa Tin, 17, Henderson High School
• Arna Vincent, 17, Howick College
• Logan Buttimore, 16, Howick College
• John James-Tilo, 17, Kelston Boys High School
• Paris Huynh, 17, Macleans College
• Jacob Macfarlane, 16, Mahurangi College
• Laura Ngui, 17, Marist College
• Aurelia Kment, 17, Michael Park School
• Noah Rolston, 18, Michael Park School
• Olive Dixon, 17, One Tree Hill College
• Aaliyah Jack-Midgley, 17, Papakura High School
• Ella Kwan-Him, 18, Papatoetoe High School
• Erika Villejo, 17, Pukekohe High School
• Megan Smith, 17, Pukekohe High School
• Lilah Ellis, 17, Rangitoto College
• Nomeneta Harema, 17, Rosehill College
• Olivia Feng, 16, Saint Kentigern College
• Fane Hafoka, 19, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
• Aki Aki Leituala, 17, Southern Cross Campus
• Sophie Yeoman, 17, St Cuthbert's College
• Olivia Pui, 17, St Cuthbert's College
• Kai St John-Harris Spencer, 16, St Dominic's Catholic College
• Sihoo Park, 17, St Peter's College
• Salote Kaufusi, 17, Te Haikura a Kiwa
• Jai Weaver, 17, Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School
• Antonia Rhind-Rushton, 17, Waitakere College