Fibre Gallery is the first of its kind in Te Wai Pounamu, a distinctly Moana-focused gallery dedicated to showcasing community-engaged, digital, and heritage artworks by Moana creatives.
Based in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch, Fibre Gallery is committed to increasing the visibility of Pacific artists and fostering greater understanding and appreciation of contemporary Pacific art among New Zealanders. By providing resources, opportunities, and a platform to amplify creative voices, we celebrate the richness of Pacific artistry and its role in shaping cultural expression.
Our mission extends to building connections between contemporary Pacific voices and wider social and political conversations, ensuring Pacific creativity plays a vital role in broader narratives.
We proudly acknowledge Ngāi Tūāhuriri iwi as mana whenua of this takiwā and as the rightful custodians of the land on which we stand.
present
THE ‘AIMATA NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL PACIFIC ARTS AWARDS EXHIBITION
Celebrating and encouraging the vibrant creativity of Pacific Secondary school artists
16 May- 13 June
Submissions for entries to the 2025 inaugural ‘Aimata National Secondary School Awards opened in March to students and recent leavers aged 15-19 years and of Pasifika descent. Successful entrants had the opportunity to have their artwork shown at Fibre Gallery as part of the ‘Aimata Awards exhibition, with first, second and third place-getters having their travel and accommodation expenses to the awards ceremony covered, as well as receiving a cash prize.
We received entries from across the country; and every work submitted had value, heart, and story, and we commend all those who entered.
The judging process was based on three main criteria: first impressions, skill/technique, and concept. Each of our three judges scored the works individually, and the scores were then combined and averaged. From this, ten works were determined for the exhibition, including three finalists. The judging panel consisted of art historian, writer, researcher & senior adjunct fellow at University of Canterbury, Dr Karen Stevenson; visual artist, researcher and lecturer in fine arts at University of Canterbury, Dr John Vea; and interdisciplinary artist, researcher, art educator, social justice advocate, and Assistant Pro-Vice Chancellor Pacific at AUT, Dagmar Dyck.
Congratulations to the exhibitors and prize recipients: Sean Lile (Dilworth School), Konstantine Tualasea (Liston College), Penamino Tuia (Dilworth School), Rinoa Peipi-Tepou & Jane Lealiifano-Smith (Pakuranga College), Matariki Taonui (Palmerston North Girls’ High School), Giovanni Siasau (Liston College), Titali Ahio (Liston College), Punipuao Afamasaga (ex. St.Dominic’s Catholic College), La-Sharney Sefo (Hillmorton High School), Jamal Stanley-Green (ex.Rolleston College)
FUTURE
AU Ta: Ancestral Markings
June 22 – August 1 | Fibre Gallery
Experience the living art of tatau. AU Ta: Ancestral Markings brings together master artists from Samoa, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea in a powerful celebration of ancestral tattooing practices using traditional tools — the au and misi.
Featuring live demonstrations, contemporary documentation, and deep cultural storytelling, this exhibition honours the sacred knowledge carried in skin.
Visit Us
Location
Level 1, 285 Cashel Street
Christchurch Central
Hours
Wednesday–Friday
10am–4pm