Reflections from the Leadership Network's Arts Hui
In late May, a group of Leadership Network members took to the streets and arts institutions of Ōtautahi Christchurch to explore the city’s rich and varied art scene. Guided by local experts, they gained insights into the diverse works on display and the stories behind them. In this article, network member Daryn Govender reflects on his experience during the hui and how it shifted his perspective on art.
Daryn: "Network gatherings always feel like being back with an extended whanau..."
This was a weekend that pushed me well outside my usual thinking and gave me a new appreciation for the role of art in shaping culture, identity, and connection.
I’ve always liked art, but I haven’t formally studied it beyond Year 10 in high school. For me, when I think about ‘art’ things such as sophisticated paintings, intricate sculptures or choreographed performances come to mind. I have always been curious about art and always try to visit art galleries when travelling in New Zealand or abroad.
Daryn: "We heard from an inspiring group of artists, educators and curators..."
When I saw the hui advertised, I knew I had to apply—it felt like a rare opportunity to step into an unfamiliar space to explore art, and its intersections with New Zealand, Asia and wider society. I went in with an open mind, not knowing exactly what to expect, and I left the weekend deeply enriched by the experience.
The hui spanned the whole weekend with a packed and well-curated programme. We heard from an inspiring group of artists, educators and curators, and visited some of Christchurch’s most notable arts institutions.
Yona Lee's Yona Lee’s piece ‘Fountain in Transit’
We explored the multi-purpose Te Ara Ātea with Mat Logan - a ‘community-focused, flexible, multipurpose space’ blending a library with aspects of an art gallery, museum and community space.
We walked through the historic Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, including the Great Hall, led by Craig Cooper.
We were also lucky to visit Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū with Lead Curator Felicity Milburn to understand how exhibitions come to life and examined Yona Lee’s piece ‘Fountain in Transit’ commissioned for the gallery’s 20th anniversary by the Christchurch Art Gallery Foundation.
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū with Lead Curator Felicity addressing the group
I even managed to squeeze in a visit to the newly opened Court Theatre to see the powerful play Black Faggot, directed by Anapela Polata'ivao ONZM (who also stars as the lead actor in feature film Tinā - I made sure to watch this the week after the hui!).
One of the biggest lessons for me over the weekend was understanding how a person’s understanding of art is shaped by their context and lived experience.
The group toured some of the more considered architectural features of Christchurch, including the inside of the Transitional Cathedral (centre)
Hearing artist Simon Kaan speak about whakapapa and identity, or Fine Lavoni Koloamatangi discuss positionality and the link between Asia and the Pacific, reinforced to me that there is no single ‘correct’ lens through which to view art.
I also appreciated Xavier Breed’s reflections on his dance studies in South Korea - especially his analogy comparing TikTok dance trends to “fast fashion.”
This made me think about how fast-paced and disposable some forms of expression can become in the digital age, and what may be lost in the process of manufacturing content to deliver to rapidly changing trends and tastes.
Daryn: "The biggest realisation I had was changing my perception of what art is."
Another special part of the weekend was reconnecting with members of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network and meeting new ones.
Network gatherings always feel like being back with an extended whanau – a warm, thoughtful, and diverse network of people who are passionate about Asia and New Zealand, and in this case also bonded over a shared interest in exploring art more deeply.
Leadership Network member Mat Logan provided a tour of community space Te Ara Ātea
The biggest realisation I had was changing my perception of what art is. Before the hui my perception of art was more formal – that art was typically housed in a gallery or a theatre.
However, art isn’t always what you first assume it to be. I learned that art could be as simple as listening to some new music on the way home, watching a creative reel on Instagram or noticing an interesting mural on a building.
Daryn: "I left the weekend completely inspired, informed and ready to continue exploring art ..."
Since the hui, I’ve already made a point of visiting the Auckland Art Gallery – somewhere I hadn’t been for as long as I can remember.
I now find myself looking all types of art – such as public artworks, performances and film in a more thoughtful and curious way.
I left the weekend completely inspired, informed and ready to continue exploring art in all its forms with more curiosity and intent.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network equips the next generation of Kiwi leaders to thrive in Asia. We provide members with the connections, knowledge and confidence to lead New Zealand’s future relationship with the region.
