See our September newsletter for the initial write-up about the Kohara2Shine exhibition, the Education Gazette article for a write-up about the inaugural Kohara2Shine in 2023 and the 2024 Education Gazette article!

This blog post extends in two key areas:

1. Showcasing the teachers and the importance that their connections have in supporting our students towards successful outcomes
2. Ensuring that each student’s fabulous work is highlighted

Now in its second year, the Kohara2Shine Wellington Secondary School Students’ Product Design Exhibition saw participation from eleven secondary schools, an increase from the seven that took part in 2023. This year’s exhibition brought together a diverse range of Materials and Processing Technology (MPT) student work, showcasing the creativity and technical skills of students from the following schools:

• Wellington East Girls’ College – Teacher, Meghan Gillard
• Wellington Girls’ College – Teacher, Julie Clement
• Wellington College – Teachers, Holly Browne and Nichole Devine
• Wellington High School – Teacher, Jane Boocock
• Queen Margaret College – Teacher, Barbara Knight
• Scots College – Teacher, Katherine Bertram
• St Dominic’s Catholic College (Auckland) – Teacher, Glennis Hahn
• St Matthews Collegiate School (Masterton) – Teacher, Ruth Bucknell
• Rathkeale College (Masterton) – Teacher, Ruth Bucknell
• Kāpiti College – Teacher, Amy Mackaskill
• Hutt Valley High School – Deputy Principal, Grace Write
  Note: One school had to pull out at the last minute. We hope to see them in 2025!

Collegiality and Teacher Collaboration

The exhibition highlights student achievement and emphasises the collaborative nature of Technology education. Teachers play a pivotal role in guiding students and contributing to the broader educational community. Nan underscored the importance of these relationships, saying, “We make a point of knowing each other well.” Many of the teachers involved in the exhibition have worked together for years, forming a solid professional support network.

For example, Julie Clement from Wellington Girls’ College is known for combining chemistry and fashion, using innovative tools like a Gerber plotter for pattern making. Nan and Julie have worked together on the HETTANZ exec since 2013. Katherine Bertram from Scots College has collaborated with Nan on moderation, and both are finalists in the 2024 WOW awards (The World of Wearable Art, see Katherine Bertram and WOW and Mother daughter duo in WOW: Jann Lenihan and Whaea Nan Walden-Moeung). Barbara Knight, from Queen Margaret College, was Nan’s Associate Teacher 20 years ago, highlighting the longevity of these professional relationships. Nan’s comment on the opening night—“If you want something done, ask a busy person, ask a mother!”—captured the dedication and multitasking nature of the teachers involved.

The work above showcases (from left-right): Amy Mackaskill’s crocheted outfit; Nan Walden-Moeung’s korowai incorporating 3D printed components; Barbara Knight’s Candleabra wearable art; Kylie Boxall’s embroidered t-shirt (as co-curator and fellow Master’s student with Nan) and Grace Wright’s commemorative tukutuku work, entitled “Tumuaki o Te Kura Tuarua o Te Awakairangi”.

Showcasing Student Achievements

The student projects on display this year were diverse, with a strong focus on creativity, technical skill, and sustainability.

Adelene, a Year 13 student from Queen Margaret College, received the TENZ award for creativity with her piece, “Tūī Much Drama.” Her work, which aimed to highlight the incredible biodiversity in Wellington’s endemic species, with a focus on the tūī, and the designer’s goal of replicating the play of sunlight on a tūī’s feathers using upcycled materials, almost went unnoticed due to the late afternoon timing of the judging. However, a well-placed summary alongside her work led to a final display adjustment, allowing the judges to fully appreciate its design.

Caitlin, a Year 12 student from St Dominic’s Catholic College in Auckland, received the TENZ award for execution. Caitlin contacted Nan in February after she had been commissioned by her school to create a contemporary kahu huruhuru, seeking guidance as an external expert stakeholder. With the support of her teacher, Glennis, and funding from her school’s Technology budget, Caitlin travelled to Wellington to participate in Kohara2Shine. The taonga was returned to Auckland by Nan, where it was blessed by Reverend Tīpene and gifted to Tumuaki, Anna Swann. See the blog post about this process here.

Lauren St Just, a Wellington East Girls’ College standout, received the TENZ award for originality for her avant-garde streetwear piece, which had also placed at the Hokanui Fashion Awards. Her work emphasised sustainable fashion practices, using upcycled tents and sleeping bags as primary materials.

Te Rau o Te Huia, a Year 13 student from Wellington College, took home the TENZ award for flair with his Tensegrity piece. The design, which incorporated a combination of materials and cleverly used light reflection, drew attention to its innovation and creativity.

The Tensegrity series of entries from Wellington was fascinating. The judges commented particularly on the ‘drips’ and the fish etched into the top of one of the pieces. We loved seeing the methods students used to balance their designs and only wish we knew more of the stories behind the designs or the inspirations for them or what the students were aiming for! There were some musings about possibilities – Was there any deeper meaning to the colours chosen for drips? Was the swordsman meant to be samurai-inspired? Was the minion plant-holder chosen for a specific reason? Was the pattern burnt into the hexagon symbolic of anything in particular? What was the symbolism of the pentagram? Or the reason for incorporating the action silhouettes into the submissions?

The tukutuku panel and kākahu submissions from Kāpiti College demonstrate the creative expression of two talented students:

• “Tama,” a tukutuku panel created by Year 13 student Cayden, moved the judges to tears. Every element held personal significance, which was beautifully articulated in the accompanying explanation. Cayden’s work captured his identity with such clarity and emotion that it left a lasting impression—definitely a name to watch for in the future of technology and design!
• “Kōmitimiti,” a set of kākahu made by Year 12 student Ellie-May, was crafted from pingao, harakeke, muka, corn husks, wool mop, cotton thread, and dyes. The judges immediately viewed the pieces as a pair, impressed by the exceptional craftsmanship and the vibrant energy they conveyed. If Kōmitimiti reflects the nature of a specific relationship, it speaks to a bond that is strong, dynamic, and full of life.

These long, flowing designs from Scots College showcased the innovative use of upcycled materials to create stunning wearable art:

• Collaboration piece: This mediaeval-inspired dress was constructed from a range of unconventional materials, including artificial grass tiles, chicken wire, a painter’s drop sheet, a chandelier, and garden markers, with glue and packaging tape holding the intricate assembly together.
• Keer’s design: A flowing blue creation made from artificial flowers, a painter’s drop sheet, house paint, spray paint, PVA glue, and tape, demonstrating a blend of artistic vision and resourcefulness.
• Elizabeth’s piece: Demonstrating the unexpected beauty of everyday materials, Elizabeth’s design transformed bubble wrap into an elegant form, combined with plastic bags, cord, bathroom tiles, duct tape, and glue—showcasing how materials, when thoughtfully assembled, can be elevated to art.

These three striking, short designs showcase bold creativity and diverse inspirations:

• Mary, a Year 13 student from Wellington Girls’ College, submitted “Urban Elegance”, an ensemble inspired by the Art Deco era with a modern twist. The look features a sophisticated cape, a gathered top, bloomers, and a matching bag, reflecting historical influence and contemporary fashion.
• Catherine, also a Year 13 student from Wellington Girls’ College, submitted “The Floating Butterfly”, a fitted corset layered with an organza mini dress. The piece is highlighted by a detachable bow on the back and intricate butterfly details, adding a delicate, ethereal element to the design.
• Jazmyn, a Year 11 student from Kāpiti College, submitted “Denim and Rhinestones”, a dress inspired by Taylor Swift’s iconic look at the 2023 VMAs after-party. Using upcycling techniques, Jazmyn’s design creatively tells a story by transforming denim into a glamorous statement piece accented with rhinestones.

This group of submissions was playfully dubbed ‘Va, Va, Voom’ by a colleague, and for good reason, as each design brings a bold and striking flair:

• Alexandra from Scots College created an elegant full-length evening gown that mimicked a stained-glass effect. Using glass paint, thick plastic, spray paint, weed matting, and electrical tape, the gown’s rigid structure demands confidence—perfect for someone with the figure to pull it off!
• Jasmin from Scots College crafted a stunning golden evening gown, combining plastic sheeting, spray paint, and hot glue to create a luxurious and dramatic piece.
• Chloe, a Year 12 student from Queen Margaret’s College, took inspiration from flower garden designs and avant-garde dresses, producing a bodice adorned with 3D flowers and large petal shapes, giving her piece the look of a blossoming bouquet.

This section, despite one item being designed as winter-wear, was grouped together for the summery feel of the garments:

• Judges were curious to learn more about this beautifully upcycled piece, made from suits. There was no sign next to the submission to share anything else than what we could see.
• Lucia, a Year 13 student from Wellington East Girls’ College, submitted a bold crocheted dress designed for the red carpet. The vibrant colour choices and strategic placement of visual accents ensure that this eye-catching piece would certainly stand out in any formal setting.
• Emma, a Year 11 student from Kāpiti College, submitted “Patchwork Jacket,” a stylish yet cosy winter garment designed for her mother. Silver snaps accent the pastel colour palette, evoking elements of sun, sky, earth, and flowers.
• Another Year 13 student from Wellington East Girls’ College submitted “Bloodline in Beaches,” a piece that intricately weaves together visual and symbolic elements to honour Island heritage. The judges appreciated the detailed craftsmanship, particularly the thoughtful incorporation of small seashells that enhanced the cohesive design.

• Mikayla, a Year 13 student from Wellington East Girls’ College, drew inspiration from Christian Dior for her design, resulting in a boned bodice with a pin-tuck mesh overlay paired with a bias-cut skirt. The classic structure and elegance reflect Dior’s timeless influence.
• Finley, a Year 13 student from Kāpiti College, submitted “A New Zealand Witch Dress,” featuring a structured satin, strapless corset with a lace-up back. The judges were impressed by its ball-gown potential and particularly noted the striking placement of pōhutukawa blossoms. While designed as evening wear, its ‘witchy’ charm is undeniable.
• Ziyu from Scots College crafted an eye-catching formal piece using artificial flowers, bird netting, weed matting, a painter’s drop sheet, glue, spray paint, and wire. The judges appreciated the balance in this asymmetrical design, an innovative use of materials.

• Lucia, a Year 13 student from Wellington East Girls’ College, showcased her crochet skills with two submissions, including this off-the-shoulder woollen sweater (see the red carpet dress above). The gathering technique adds a flattering shape to the piece, making it both stylish and wearable.
• Raukura, from Scots College, transformed everyday materials like a BBQ tray, cardboard, and plastic table protectors into an angular, metallic, armour-inspired design. The clever use of these materials gave the piece a bold and futuristic aesthetic.
• Helena, also from Scots College, crafted a silver-toned masterpiece using dish cloths, chicken wire, steel wool, expanding foam, spray paint, and glue. Reminiscent of space chic, this striking design blends industrial materials into an avant-garde look.

Scout, a Year 12 student from Wellington East Girls’ College, produced two of the works below. On the left, a corset and skirt ensemble featuring a beaded pomegranate design, inspired by the Greek goddess Persephone. On the right, a hooded cloak in a style reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, with a contemporary twist in the form of a floral lining.

In the middle, Caleb, from Scots College, assembled a quirky futuristic piece using a utility storage box, Nylex hose control, tubing, matt grip protection, wire, tape, and glue.

• Madeline, a Year 12 student from Queen Margaret College, reinterpreted 1920s costume design with a modern twist. Her piece features fringed tassels, lace, pearl beading, and satin fabrics, with a digital screen-printed lace applique.
• Eva, from Scots College, created an elegant white dress using a painter’s drop cloth, tape, wire, aluminum tape, and spray paint. The wire necklace perfectly complements the dress, echoing the silver accents in the dress.
• Noa, a Year 12 student from Wellington High School, showcased her skill in fabric manipulation with a shirred silk/nylon top paired with a voluminous bubble skirt. The design aims for fullness and movement, making it a striking two-piece set.

Kohara2Shine: A Growing Initiative and a Bridge Between Education Levels

Kohara2Shine continues to expand, with efforts underway to involve more schools from across the region. Nan is actively reaching out to schools from Palmerston North to Wellington, and plans to visit Auckland to generate further interest. We need platforms for celebrating student innovation in Technology education. The exhibition highlights the creative and technical achievements of students in the Wellington region and fosters stronger connections between secondary schools and universities. With Massey University hosting the event, students are given a unique opportunity to experience a tertiary environment while showcasing their work to a wider audience.

Nan, the visionary behind Kohara2Shine, is committed to growing the event incrementally, with the long-term goal of creating a national platform that spans all Technology domains—Design and Visual Communication (DVC), Materials Technology (MPT), and Digital Technology (DT). Drawing comparisons to the World of Wearable Art (WOW), she encourages teachers and students to push creative boundaries: “If you are a Tech teacher, anything, just think of a cool way of displaying the mahi. Blow our minds! Give me a logistical nightmare of how to display it, I dare you! Ultimately, it’s all about celebrating the successes of our rangatahi. Teenagers get a bad rap sometimes. Let’s celebrate them!”

If you’re interested in participating in Kohara2Shine 2025, contact Nan at WEGC by emailing:

[email protected]

Dates are – Monday 15 September till Friday 3 October, coinciding with the end of term, TENZ conference and WOW 2025 with exact timings TBC, and meeting with events at Massey TBC.

 

Photos by Yamoah Media and image collages by Dash Lemon