Hastings Art Gallery - Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga

09/10/2026

Calling all teens - Youth Art Ambassador Programme (YAAP) applications are now open for next year!

What’s it all about? It’s the perfect chance for 15-19 year olds who love art to further their passions, learn about the sector and have a say in what goes on at Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga!

They’ll learn about the different roles at the Gallery, gaining insight into possible career pathways in the arts. Plus, they’ll also meet artists and learn from them through workshops and wānanga.

YAAP is free and runs on Thursday afternoons from February to August.

Sound like your teenager? Applications close on 30 November 2026. Check the link here to apply -

08/10/2026

Artists’ Talk: Miria Pohatu and Leanne Morrison
🗓️ Saturday 10 October, 11am

This weekend, Miria Pohatu and Leanne Morrison will share more about their work in ‘Te Matau-a-Māui Contemporary Art: Gwen Malden Trust Commissions’.

Pohatu’s body of work ‘Kei tēnā, kei tēnā’ is grounded in her many years of experience as a teacher working alongside Māori rangatahi and encourages us to think deeply about Te Ao, the world around us.

Morrison’s installation ‘Inside Looking Out’ features compositions on canvas and fabric that draw on the Samoan concept of ‘Vā’, the relational space where connections between people, objects, and environment create meaning.

05/10/2026

We have two ✨brand new✨ free activities on offer these school holidays:

Perfect for sunny spring days, ‘Tirotiro Haere’ helps tamariki explore the artwork and surroundings in Te Pae o Karamū Civic Square.

Or tamariki can get hands-on making their own 3D ‘rolling hill’ artwork inside the Gallery at the Interactive Wall, inspired by the beautiful landscape of Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay.

Free Kids Drop-In Art Days are back this week too, on Tuesday and Thursday, 10am–3pm, where kids can get stuck into art-making sessions with our incredible education team!

02/10/2026

Moments from the opening weekend of ‘Heaven’s Blade’, a new exhibition by Juliet Carpenter.

The exhibition runs over summer here in Heretaunga and in a forthcoming exhibition at Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

30/09/2026

✨ Artist Workshop: Making with Bioplastic, led by Raewyn Tauira Paterson
🗓️ Saturday 31 October, 10.30am-12.30pm
💲 $15 per adult, plus booking fees

Take this unique opportunity to experiment with new and original materials using Raewyn’s homemade recipe for bioplastic.

Using moulds made from pāua and seashells, you’ll discover how bioplastic can be transformed into sculptural forms. While the bioplastic’s being prepared, you’ll work with premade pieces to create your own necklace.

Booking essential via Eventfinda, link in bio.

Explore Raewyn’s work in ‘Te Matau-a-Māui Contemporary Art: Gwen Malden Trust Commissions’, on until 14 November.

Image credit: Courtesy of the artist

29/09/2026

Brand new at the Gallery these school holidays – Tirotiro Haere – a free resource for whānau to explore the space outside the Gallery! 📋🌳

These activity cards help tamariki explore Te Pae o Karamū, Civic Square. They can have a go at drawing, fact finding, creative thinking and play.

Most suitable for primary and intermediate age children but all ages are welcome to have a go.

Don’t miss out when you bring your tamariki into the Gallery — talk to the team at the front desk!

Tirotiro Haere is a free resource for families to encourage play and engagement just outside the Gallery in Te Pae o Karamū Civic Square. It's available from the front desk, for use beyond the Gallery walls.

29/09/2026

Nearly 1,000 students from across Hawke’s Bay have visited us on the free Art Bus for Schools since it launched late last year 🚌✨

By removing transport barriers for schools in need, the programme enables young people to access art and creativity through engaging, hands-on experiences. The programme has come to life with the support of local donors.

Recently, we welcomed students from Hastings Girls' High School to the Gallery. During their visit, students met artist Aroha Matchitt-Millar, explored the exhibitions, and had a hands-on session in the Gallery’s classroom with our educators.

🎥 Video credit: Grant Meyer

27/09/2026

✨Drop-In Art Day For Kids with Additional Needs
🗓️ Wednesday 30 September, 10am – 12pm

As part of the programme here at the Gallery these school holidays, we're holding a special art session designed for tamariki with additional needs and their whānau.

This relaxed, supportive session offers a chance to explore creativity together at a comfortable pace, with activities inspired by what's currently on at the Gallery.

26/09/2026

Leanne Morrison’s work draws on the Sāmoan concept of Vā, the relational space where connections between people, objects and environments create meaning.

To be in Vā is to exist in relationship with what surrounds us, shaped by it and shaping it in turn.

‘Te Matau-a-Māui Contemporary Art: Gwen Malden Trust Commissions’
1 August – 14 November

Image credit: Thomas Teutenberg

24/09/2026

✨ Creative Exchange: A youth takeover at Hastings Art Gallery
🗓️ Wednesday 7 October, 11am–2pm

Know any teenagers who're after something fun to do these school holidays? Join the Gallery's Youth Art Ambassadors for an event designed by young people, for young people. There will be heaps of cool activities like clothes swapping (bring something from your wardrobe to swap), an 'artist machine', paper bouquet making and wall drawings!

Come for five minutes or stay for the whole afternoon. Celebrate the end of another Youth Art Ambassador Programme (YAAP) year with us!

YAAP is a fortnightly after-school programme, a chance for passionate local rangatahi aged 15-19 to learn about working in the arts, contribute to the Gallery’s programme and meet other teens.

Free, no booking required.