At Toi Whakaari, the intersection of academic research and industry engagement continues to flourish, showcasing the diverse talent and expertise within our staff. From cutting-edge performance art and design innovations to academic publications and international collaborations, the breadth of staff contributions in 2024 has been truly exceptional.
Innovative Scholarship and Research
Emma Ransley completed a Graduate Certificate in Applied eLearning, with a research focus on digital literacy in Aotearoa and the impact of ‘whiteness in digital learning spaces.’ Her work critically engages with equity in online education.
Emele Ugavule earned the 2024 Emerging Pasifika Writer in Residence at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s International Institute of Modern Letters, affirming her growing influence as both an academic and creative voice.
Paula van Beek published a case study in Studies in Costume & Performance, documenting an innovative costume design exploration task, inspired by costume agency and bouffon clown. The brief provides a gamified learning experience which introduces acting students to costume design ideas and strategies.
Dr. Sam Trubridge continued to lead The Performance Arcade 2024 and also wrote for Performance Research journal about his experimental piece Night Walk. He also convened the Oceanic group for LIRIS, a global scenography research network.
Industry Recognition and Creative Output
Anya Tate-Manning’s play My Best Dead Friend was published in the anthology Ka Tahi, Ka Rua, Ka Toru, Ka Whā, launched at Playmarket Accolades 2024. This milestone underscores Anya’s contribution to solo performance in Aotearoa.
Senior Tutor, Tony De Goldi, designed the mid-year show for the Kura which led to researching pacific voyaging in the wider moana and the stories of Kupe on which Apirana Taylor has used as the basis of his play Ka Tito Au. Both the research and the design methodologies will be used as a teaching tool for Year 3 designers.
Notably prolific in 2024, Tony’s industry work included design roles in the short film Open Looks by Mīria George, stage productions O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai by Natano Keni and Dawn Raids by Oscar Kightly, among others. His mentorship of students during these productions strengthened the Toi Whakaari connection to the creative industry in Aotearoa.
Salesi Le‘ota performed in Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night at Auckland’s Pop-Up Globe and received Drama New Zealand’s President’s Award for significant long-term impact. Alongside Lisa Fuemana, Salesi edited and published a number of Pasifika plays including The Gangster’s Paradise by Leki Jackson-Bourke, Birds by Dianna Fuemana, Urban Hymns by Mīria George, Ranterstantrum by Victor Rodger, The Eel and Sina by J. Soo-Choon, Odd Daphne by Josh Iosefa and My Own Darling by Grace Iwashita-Taylor which was launched at Parliament at the Pacific Arts Awards. Finally, he is currently developing The Aotearoans with Īhaka Martyn for the 2025 Kia Mau Festival.
Award-Winning Alumni and Staff Excellence
Toi Whakaari alumni and staff were prominent at the 2024 Wellington Theatre Awards. Winners included:
Rhys Tunley – Costume Designer of the Year
Rowan Pierce – Lighting Designer of the Year
Meg Rollandi – Set Designer of the Year
Te Aihe Butler – Sound Designer of the Year
Anapela Polata’ivao – Director of the Year
Dr. Kerryn Palmer – Mayoral Award for Significant Contribution to Theatre
Madeline McNamara and Lyndee-Jane Rutherford – Community Contributions
Special recognition went to Alex Fisher for a Lighting Design nomination, and our acting students involved in Dawn Raids, nominated for Ensemble Excellence.
Alumni also made their mark in productions such as Peter Pan at Auckland Theatre Company and the new TV drama Camp Be Better.
Showcasing Talent and Mentorship
Kaarin Slevin’s work in Costume Showcase 2024 and costume design for New Zealand School of Dance’s (NZSD) Performance Season exemplifies her commitment to industry excellence and student development. The Dance Aotearoa New Zealand review of the NZSD performance highlighted both her classical ballet costume designs and the execution by our second-year students.
Tony De Goldi noted the exceptional quality of student work at our Manifest graduate exhibition, emphasising the confidence and readiness of our graduates as they enter the professional world.
This article was first published in the Toi Whakaari Annual Report, Te Pūrongo 2024. You can read the full report here.
