Opening to the public at Tāwera, the new Nelson Arts Hub, on 15 August, Ordinary Wonders is a collaborative community storytelling and visual arts project, developed by Hikitia! Te Tauihu in partnership with Tāwera and Hiwa.
Ordinary Wonders creates space for people to share memories and have them transformed into art that inspires reflection, strengthens connection, and contributes to social change and the prevention of family violence, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse.
People from across Te Tauihu have shared memories of the people, relationships, experiences, and places that helped them feel safe, seen, connected, and that they belonged. Local artists have transformed these stories into more than 80 original artworks, creating a powerful collective portrait of our community.
Together, these stories and artworks celebrate the people, relationships, and places that help shape safe, connected, and thriving communities.
The exhibition is accompanied by a four-week programme of workshops, performances, conversations, films, and creative experiences that invite people of all ages to connect, reflect, participate, and celebrate the stories that unite us. Together, these experiences explore connection, relationships, community wellbeing, and the protective factors that help prevent family violence, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse before harm occurs.
At the conclusion of the exhibition, each artwork is gifted to the storyteller whose memory inspired it, creating a lasting connection between storyteller and artist. Together with a published collection of stories and artworks, Ordinary Wonders leaves a legacy that extends well beyond the exhibition itself.
Image by B Heine, Ordinary Wonders Pilot Project with NMIT students, 2025.
Because every ordinary wonder has the power to shape a life.
EXPLORE ORDINARY WONDERS OFFERINGS
Meet the Hikitia! team throughout Ordinary Wonders. We'll be working from the gallery for the duration of the exhibition, welcoming visitors and bringing our everyday mahi into the heart of the space. Stop by to ask questions, share ideas or learn more about our kaupapa. See community mobilisation and primary prevention in action. Sometimes meaningful change begins with a simple conversation.
Where Conversations Begin
You never know what you might discover! Throughout the exhibition, keep an eye out for surprise pop-up activities for all ages. From creative experiences to moments of connection and conversation, these spontaneous activities celebrate the ordinary wonders that bring people and communities together.
Keep an eye out for pop-up activities
Visit the Community Wall and book displays at Elma Turner Library during the Ordinary Wonders exhibition.
Learn more about the Ordinary Wonders kaupapa and discover stories, ideas, and everyday actions that make a difference. Explore books and resources that highlight the power of connection, kindness, and community, and how ordinary moments help create safer, stronger communities.
Drop in, connect with the kaupapa, and be inspired by the little things that make a big difference.
Elma Turner Library Display
Alongside the exhibition and our scheduled workshops and events, Ordinary Wonders features a number of interactive installations that invite visitors of all ages to pause, notice, contribute and connect.
Explore at Your Own Pace
I Shared This With Consent – A Participatory Digital Installation
A photo can capture a moment - but where does that moment end? This interactive installation invites you to take part in a simple activity that explores sharing, consent and the online world. Pause, reflect, and discover why consent doesn't always travel, and how small everyday decisions can help prevent online harm and build a culture of respect.
Sometimes the smallest moments leave the biggest mark. Join us to create a T-shirt celebrating the everyday acts of care, kindness, inclusion, and connection that help tamariki (children) feel safe, valued, and supported. Inspired by the Little Matters kaupapa, we'll explore how small actions can strengthen the safety of tamariki and their sense of belonging. Selected designs will be professionally printed and gifted to participants before the exhibition closes, celebrating the little things that help tamariki and whānau (family) thrive.
Little Matters – T-Shirt Design Activities
Become an Ordinary Wonders explorer! Follow the trail through the exhibition and see what you can discover. Can you spot birds, animals, cars and other hidden surprises in the artworks? Along the way, look for clues about kindness, belonging, courage, friendship and care, and discover how the little things help people and communities thrive.
Ordinary Wonders Discovery Trail
Our Community Safety Landscape – Collaborative Visual Installation
Every community is shaped by the stories, values and moments that help people feel safe, seen and connected. Help us create a living artwork that grows throughout the exhibition by sharing a word, thought or reflection. As the exhibition unfolds, Hikitia! and local artists will weave your contributions into a collaborative landscape celebrating the everyday moments and relationships that help communities thrive.
Workshops and Events
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Show Screening: Embarrassed, Naked Female followed by a facilitated discussion
by Elsa Couvreur and Hikitia! RISE
21 August, 5:30-7:00PM
In 2020, Elsa Couvreur uploaded her solo show The Sensemaker online. Years later, footage containing five minutes of nudity continues to resurface on adult forums without her consent. Embarrassed Naked Female is an award-winning lecture-performance built like a forensic thriller - a darkly humorous exploration of consent, power and the online world. The screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion.
Parental guidance recommended. Suitable for audiences 15 years +
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Play with Paint Workshop for Adults
by Loren Griffin
22 August, 9:00AM-12:00PM
Loren Griffin invites you to leave perfection at the door and rediscover the joy of painting through play.
Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, this relaxed workshop explores colour, texture, mark-making, and creative expression in a supportive environment. Connect with others, trust your intuition, and experience the wellbeing that comes from creating without expectations.
An art workshop for adults, recommended for ages 16+
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Creative Matters Drop-in Workshop 1: Cards and Handmade Gifts for fathers and father figures
facilitated by Hikitia! RISE
25 August, 10:00AM – 12:00PM
In the lead up to Father's Day, join us for a fun, hands-on art workshop where tamariki (children) can create cards and handmade gifts for Dads or other special people in their lives. Through painting, collage and creative play, children will build confidence, express themselves, and celebrate the people who help them feel loved, supported and connected. Perfect for young artists who love to make, imagine and create.
This workshop is for children ages 3 – 5 accompanied by a caregiver/parent.
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Hui for Art Sector on Safety
facilitated by Hikitia! RISE
26 August, 5:30-7:00PM
Join us for a collegial hui where we’ll explore how to make theatre, film, and exhibitions safe and supportive. Together with industry peers, we’ll share practical ways to support audiences, especially when content may be triggering. A panel of creatives will share experiences, so we can all foster safer, more inclusive arts spaces.
For creatives of all ages.
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My Many Coloured Days Drama - workshop 1
facilitated by Miranda Warner, Hikitia! RISE
27 August, 3:45-5:00PM
Join us for a playful drama workshop for tamariki (children) aged 5–7 and their parents or caregivers, inspired by Dr Seuss' My Many Coloured Days. Through games, storytelling and imaginative play, we'll explore emotions, build a shared language for talking about feelings, and discover healthy ways to respond to life's big emotions. Colourful outfits are warmly encouraged!
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BONES: One-man play, followed by a facilitated discussion with Julian Noel
Co-created by Julian Noel and director Martine Baanvinger
28 August, 5:30 – 8:30PM
"A masterclass in storytelling." - Jackson Rosie, Theatreview.
Nominated for 10 awards at the Nelson and Dunedin Fringe Festivals, BONES is an acclaimed one-man play co-created by Julian Noel and director Martine Baanvinger.
Raw, funny and deeply moving, Julian Noel brings eight unforgettable characters to life in a story of family, love, loss and belonging. BONES explores the stories we inherit and reminds us that healing begins when someone finds the courage to tell the truth.
Parental guidance recommended. Suitable for audiences 16 years +
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BONES: One-man play, followed by a facilitated discussion with Julian Noel
Co-created by Julian Noel and director Martine Baanvinger
29 August, 3:00 – 6:00PM
"A masterclass in storytelling." - Jackson Rosie, Theatreview.
Nominated for 10 awards at the Nelson and Dunedin Fringe Festivals, BONES is an acclaimed one-man play co-created by Julian Noel and director Martine Baanvinger.
Raw, funny and deeply moving, Julian Noel brings eight unforgettable characters to life in a story of family, love, loss and belonging. BONES explores the stories we inherit and reminds us that healing begins when someone finds the courage to tell the truth.
Parental guidance recommended. Suitable for audiences 16 years +
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Creative Matters Drop-in Workshop 2: Cards and Handmade Gifts for fathers and father figures
facilitated by Hikitia! RISE
30 August, 10:00AM – 12:00PM
In the lead-up to Father's Day, join us for a fun, hands-on art workshop where tamariki (children) can create cards and handmade gifts for Dads or other special people in their lives. Through painting, collage and creative play, children will build confidence, express themselves, and celebrate the people who help them feel loved, supported and connected. Perfect for young artists who love to make, imagine and create.
This workshop is for children ages 4 – 10 accompanied by a caregiver/parent.
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Show Screening: Inter Alia Film Night followed by a facilitated discussion
facilitated by Hikitia! RISE
2 September, 7:00PM – 9:30PM
Join us for a free screening of Inter Alia, the acclaimed National Theatre production starring Rosamund Pike. This powerful play explores modern motherhood, fatherhood, masculinity, raising boys, social media, sexual violence and the justice system. Following the 1-hour 40-minute screening, stay for a facilitated discussion to reflect on the themes together in a safe and supportive environment. Please note: This production contains mature and potentially distressing content. Recommended for age16 years and over.
Parental guidance recommended. Suitable for audiences 16 years +
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Activating Your Inner Power Through Poetry – workshop
by Rowan Taigel
5 September, 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Discover the power of poetry as a tool for reflection, connection, and self-expression. Through gentle writing prompts and creative exploration, this welcoming workshop invites you to notice the ordinary moments that shape who you are. No experience is needed - just curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to let your words find their way onto the page.
A poetry workshop for adults, recommended for ages 18+
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He Whakamana Ngaruru – Pounamu Taonga Wānanga
by Loren Fitzpatrick (Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe, Ngāi Tahu) and Connor Fitzpatrick (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kurī)
5 September, 1:00 – 5:30PM
Empowering mana that ripples outwards. Join Loren and Connor Fitzpatrick for a tikanga-led, wairua-safe wānanga exploring the significance of the mauri of pounamu. Through the mindful practice of sanding, binding and braiding your own natural pounamu taonga, you'll slow down, reconnect and reflect while creating a taonga to wear that honours whakapapa, wellbeing and connection. No previous experience is needed - just curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Suitable for audiences 14 years +
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Creative Matters Drop-in Workshop 3: Making Driftwood Creations
facilitated by Hikitia! RISE
8 September, 3:30PM – 5:00PM
Transform pieces of driftwood into colourful works of art in this fun, hands-on drop-in workshop for tamariki (children). Whether you create something to treasure yourself or a special gift for someone you care about, you'll have the freedom to paint, imagine and experiment. Along the way, children will build creative confidence, fine motor skills and self-expression while discovering that every creation is uniquely their own.
This workshop is for children ages 5 – 10 accompanied by a caregiver/parent.
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Sentimental Stories We Carry
facilitated by Karolina Gorton, Hikitia! RISE
9 September, 5:30PM – 7:00PM
You are warmly invited to an evening of sharing sentimental stories inspired by an ordinary wonder, accompanied by an object, photograph, or song of your choice. Together, we'll celebrate the memories that connect us to people, places, and moments we hold close to our hearts, over stories, music, tea, and homemade baking in a warm and welcoming space.
Suitable for all ages. Under 15 years to be accompanied by a caregiver or parent.
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My Many Coloured Days Drama - workshop 2
facilitated by Miranda Warner, Hikitia! RISE
10 September, 3:30-5:00PM
Join us for a fun, interactive drama workshop for tamariki (children) aged 8–11 and their parents or caregivers, inspired by Dr Seuss' My Many Coloured Days. Through drama, storytelling and creative play, we'll explore emotions, build confidence in talking about feelings, and develop shared ways to navigate life's ups and downs together. Come dressed as colourfully as you like and join the fun!
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He Whakamana Ngaruru – Mauri Stone Wānanga
by Loren Fitzpatrick (Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe, Ngāi Tahu) and Connor Fitzpatrick (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kurī)
12 September, 9:00AM – 12:30PM
He Whakamana Ngaruru - Empowering mana that ripples outwards. Join Loren and Connor Fitzpatrick for a tikanga-led, wairua-safe wānanga exploring the healing mauri of pounamu. Through the mindful process of sanding your own palm-sized pounamu touchstone, you'll be invited to slow down, reconnect and reflect while creating a meaningful taonga that supports grounding, wellbeing and connection to whakapapa. No previous experience is needed - just curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Suitable for audiences 14 years +
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Cut, Fold, Make: A Beginner’s Zine-Making Workshop
by Rowan Taigel
12 September, 1:30 – 4:00PM
Discover the creative world of zine-making in this fun, hands-on workshop with Rowan Taigel of Guerrilla Poetry. Learn how to transform a single sheet of paper into your own handmade mini-publication using words, drawings, collage, or whatever inspires you. No experience is needed - just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to experiment.
Suitable for all ages. Under 15 years to be accompanied by a caregiver or parent.
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Be There: building the confidence to step in - workshop
facilitated by Leigh Manson, RISE
12 September, 1:00-4:00PM
Remember how easy it was to say, "Stop it, I don't like that" when you were a kid? Somewhere along the way it got more complicated. This practical workshop explores how to be a good bystander when everything feels public, permanent and online. Through real scenarios and discussion, you'll build confidence to step in, check in, and support others in ways that feel genuine and achievable.
Suitable for adults and young people aged 16+