Kia Ora on Tuesday November 26th, 26 Rutherford College Pasifika & Māori Students had the honour of welcoming Mr Tagaloa Samuela, the Marketing Manager of Māori & Pasifika, representing The Media Design School. This was to help open some more doors for us. The workshop was set up in the Art Department, where students were allowed to let their minds explore the arts, and their hands were to sculpt our feelings.
The workshop started with an introduction to the group, which allowed students who may have not spoken before today, to know more about one another, and maybe understand that we aren’t very different from each other. Following this was a warm-up exercise, where we were instructed to sculpt how we were feeling in the moment. We were encouraged to be honest with ourselves, and sculpt our feelings, even if they weren’t particularly positive. Many students had positive emotions to share with the class, but those who didn’t, felt safe to express themselves. A team-building exercise followed, and this was when the real fun started. Our guidelines were to be intuitive, bizarre, and creative, and boy did we meet every single one. We were told to draw part of a character, whether it be a head, an arm, or a pair of ears, and then move to our left, continuing to add to each character, until we had a series of mosaic pencil drawings that we had collaboratively created. The workshop finished with the sculpting activity returning, but this time, we had to create one of the characters we had drawn. This proved a great challenge, as everyone had a different vision, and the colours of the plasticine created an even more chaotic character. This workshop gave all of us a great opportunity to explore our creative side, and open our minds to new possibilities, career wise. We ended it all with a glorious pizza lunch, courtesy of Mr Samuela
This opportunity was something all of us will be forever grateful for, as it really imprinted on us that even though our people may make up a small percentage of the population, we can do just as much as anyone else, if not more.
by Ruby Papau 10BN
We found this workshop was a wonderful experience and learning opportunity for young Pasifika and Māori students. It gave us the opportunity to express ourselves in a positive and safe environment. The workshop led by Mr Tagaloa Samuela allowed students to see into the future of Media Design school and the future opportunities they have in store. During the workshop students had the chance to express in their words, how they felt about their designs and why they felt that way. It encouraged us to be open minded and creative when creating characters. It was a great team building experience for all students and everyone was equally involved.
We’d like to give a huge thanks to Ms Yates, Ms Ivanovic (Art Department) Mr Dodds (Technology Department) who gave us the opportunity to attend this workshop. Mr Samuela for taking the time to teach us, and Mr Talamaivao who continues to give Pasifika and Māori students opportunities for their future in careers and life.
Meitaki & Malo ‘Aupito
by Roma Bowers-Fleming 10HY and Olivia Tuivaiti 10 HY
