He Waka Tuia

23/06/2026

The wait is over - entries for the ILT Murihiku Art Awards 2026 are officially OPEN!

We’re thrilled to once again partner with the Southland Art Society to celebrate the incredible creativity and talent of artists across the region and beyond.

Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned creative, this is your chance to showcase your work, share your vision, and be part of one of Murihiku's premier art events. We can't wait to see the inspiring pieces you'll bring to this year's awards!

📌 Entry Form & Conditions of Entry:
https://airtable.com/appxiSTurWJW8Dlcz/pagEy6WQGwWz9hJed/form

Please note: Entries are now being accepted exclusively through our online entry form. Simply follow the link above to submit your work.

Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the ILT Murihiku Art Awards 2026. Start preparing your entry, spread the word, and let your creativity shine!

Entries close: Friday 21 August, 5PM

18/06/2026

Thank you for having us Active Explorers Invercargill!🧡

18/06/2026

We're closed from Monday next week until Friday 3 July for our exhibition changeover.

Yes, PLAY 5 is coming!

📌 Opening night | PLAY 5: PJ Party

17/06/2026

Here's a quick view at some of the pieces from the local collections on display alongside Chloe Blades' works in our current exhibition 'I put the flowers there so it looked like I had my life together'.

📌 Closing this Sunday 21 June - come and visit us before the exhibition ends!

12/06/2026

What a pack of absolute legends! 👏

The father figures turned out in force tonight for our inaugural Pints & Ponytails with Goals Salon.

A huge thank you to Chloe, Bliss and Danni from GOALS SALON for sharing their skills and patience, helping these dads master everything from ponytails to plaits. Thanks to their guidance, everyone left with a few new tricks up their sleeve and the confidence to make their daughters’ hair the standout at school drop-off come Monday.

11/06/2026

Staying on top of current trends in the art world is an important part of our mahi, especially when developing ideas for our annual PLAY exhibtion series.

So when we heard about The Dreamery in Queenstown, touted as an immersive art experiance, we knew we had to check it out.

Our curatorial team travelled up the road today and did just that. From mirrored caves, to fur lined rooms and interactive digital installations we had a blast being on the visitors side of the experiance.

A must see if you're in Queenstown!

09/06/2026

We're incredibly excited (and a little bit humbled!) to share that the Invercargill Public Art Gallery/He Waka Tuia team has been named a finalist in the Community Catalyst category at the 2026 Southland Creative Arts Awards.

This award recognises a person or group that has made a significant contribution to fostering community and connection within the Murihiku arts scene, so to be acknowledged in this way is truly special.

We're looking forward to joining our fellow creatives for what promises to be a fantastic evening celebrating the talent, innovation, and impact of the arts across Murihiku.

Congratulations to all the finalists - we can't wait to celebrate with you!

FINALISTS🎉 The wait is over!

The finalists for the Southland Creative Arts Awards 2026 have been announced.
A huge congratulations to all our finalists. Your creativity, dedication, and contribution to the arts in Murihiku deserve to be celebrated, and we can't wait to recognise you at this year's awards.
The standard of entries was exceptionally high, and our judges had some incredibly difficult decisions to make. Being nominated is an achievement in itself and a reflection of the impact you have on our creative community.

Check out the full list of finalists below and join us in celebrating the amazing talent that makes Southland's arts scene so special!

Finalists for the Southland Creative Arts Awards 2026 are as follows:

Southland Express Patronage award:
Awarded to a business or sponsor who has consistently supported the arts through support, patronage, collaboration and encouragement.
Stephane Fabre
Nicola McGilvray
Jordan Cossill
Craigs Design & Print
Brent Knight, McCulloch Architects

The Hits Production excellence:
Awarded to an individual who displays excellent dedication and skills in helping bring an artistic endeavour to the public behind the scenes, for example ; producers, production secretaries, arts administrators, stage managers, set and lighting designers and curators.
Tony Parish
Jersey Rhein
DEOW
Chris Herman
Brian Pay
Dwayne Carey

Sono Sound Lifetime Achievement:
Awarded to a person or group who has consistently shared their time, energy, knowledge and skill for the betterment of the Arts in Murihiku.
Darren Ludlow
Maxine Treweek
Phil Geary
Sue Donkin
Steve Gooding
Angela Newell

Leadership in the Arts:
Awarded to an individual who has voluntarily steered groups or individuals to success and has inspired and empowered those around them through leadership, management or administration.
Tania Carran
DEOW
Trinity Waddell
Michelle Lange
Ingrid Campbell
Angela Newell

Southland Arts Society Leadership in Arts Education:
Awarded to an individual, group or institution who displays passionate, innovative and accessible education in the arts.
Reanda Ge**er
Sarah Rae
Out of School Music
Bella Williams
Katherine Buess
Lyn Grove

Emerging talent:
Awarded to an individual Year 9-13 who displays great talent and skill in their field and who is working towards a future in the arts.
Lachie McGregor
Lara Kerr
Olivia Scarlett
Neve Rigg-Rissmann

Elm Marketing Creative Excellence Award:
Awarded to a person or group who has shown skill, creativity, innovation and mastery in their field.
Amber Timpany ART
Brian Johnston
Tahla Ward Tahla Ward
Ron Mitchell
Majestic Frog

Community Trust South Community Catalyst Award:
Awarded to a person or group that has made significant contributions to fostering a sense of community and connection within the Murihiku arts scene.
Steph Mac
Mīharo Murihiku Trust Miharo Murihiku
Re:Woven Therapy Charitable Trust
Team at IPAG/ He Waka Tuia
Southern District Arts Trust
Out of School Music

He tohu kia mau ki nga taonga tuku iho:
Awarded to a group or individual who is independently pursuing the reclamation, preservation and celebration of te ao Māori in their practise. Awarded to those who hold onto, maintain and develop those treasures and knowledge handed down from our ancestors.
Danielle Tipuna Dee Mana Wahine
Mīharo Murihiku Trust Miharo Murihiku
Tonihi Whanau & Ngā Herenga Waka Kapa Haka
He Wai Apakura - Te Ara Pounamu (The River's Lament - A Pathway of Treasures)

09/06/2026

Well... it's that time of year again!

PLAY is back!

For the fifth year running, we will pack the gallery with 9 interactive zones filled with contemporary art, hands-on crafts, collections, games, creative challenges, and plenty of opportunities to explore, make, and discover.

Whether you're 5 or 95, PLAY 5 is all about getting curious, trying something new, and embracing the joy of play.

Build something. Make something. Learn something. Get a little nostalgic. And most importantly, have fun.

Keep an eye out for opening dates, sneak peeks, and more information coming soon!

08/06/2026

Last week’s gallery visitors from St Patrick's Invercargill brought the best energy! 🙌 Students explored our current exhibition by artist and writer Chloe Blades, before channeling her style into their own incredible creations. They also took to the streets for a CBD walking art tour with Senga.

Check out some of their works below 📸