Hope Manaakitia Korewha

Master of Visual Arts student
Bachelor of Visual Arts Te Tohu Paetahi mō Toi Ataata

She loves art, says Hope Manaakitia Korewha who studied a Bachelor of Visual Arts Te Tohu Paetahi mō Toi Ataata and is now enrolled in a Master of Visual Arts.

“I enjoy drawing and seeing the beauty in the mundane, and expressing those talents through my art. Once I finish my studies, I’d love to be an independent artist. But since art is such a broad subject it’s also opened my eyes to my other interests including Māoritanga, my love for people and psychology. I chose to study at AUT because I love the inclusivity and the support that this university provides. I’m grateful for receiving a McDonald’s Te Tai Tokerau Scholarship, an AUT Welcome to Auckland Scholarship in my first year and a Keir Trust Study Award on my second and third year to support my studies.”

When Hope finished her bachelor’s degree at the end of 2024, she realised that she still had so much more to give and show, which led her to continue into postgraduate study, supported by an AUT Postgraduate Research Scholarship for the School of Art and Design.

“I’m now hoping to use this opportunity to grow further as an artist and strive for more as wahine Māori. For my master’s degree research, I’m focusing on te ao Māori and honouring my whakapapa. The project revolves around depicting stories of Māori mythology, wairua as a medium and weaving as a methodology toward Indigenous Futurisms.

“I chose this topic as it was motivated by the Toitu Te Tiriti movement, the mamae, and the passion I saw in my people. It made me realise that I had forgotten who I am since living away from home up north and I wanted to reclaim who I was as wāhine Māori. I had avoided creating or researching Māori things as I didn't want to be categorised as the 'Token Māori'. But I've come to know that this kaupapa is my birthright and I’m reassured by my papa, whom I owe my entire life to. The birth of my nephew Sonny also prompted me to research and create work that could benefit his future in some way.”

Creating new connections
Hope says she would 100% recommend AUT’s visual arts programmes to others.

“I’ve enjoyed creating new connections and meeting lifelong friends, enabling me to hold onto unforgettable memories, and learning skills in my degree that will be applicable in my future and day-to-day life. We all have this shared experience of being a student, and mentioning your degree and university enables you to connect with your fellow peers at a deeper level.

“I also appreciate that AUT has student support services that see you as a person, rather than a statistic, and are here to help. A plethora of clubs to join, countless social events happening and more! It has been a great experience and I’m very grateful to have been involved.”

Balancing study with her other commitments hasn’t always been easy, she admits.

“During high school, it was easy to not study too much but still achieve at a high level. This created some habits that couldn’t be replicated at a higher level of study. When I started uni, I had to start genuinely studying and being time-efficient so that I could achieve deadlines, attend classes, go to work and have a personal life. It has taught me to be intentional with my time and energy. This alone has been the greatest gift university has given me to prepare me for my future.”

Advice for other students
Hope has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their university journey.

“Focus on your studies – I can’t stress it enough. Being a university student is a privilege and an honour. It’s easy to get swept up in your own world, thinking you can get away with being mediocre.”

Remember that you’re investing three or more years of your life into uni, she adds.

“You should give it your all to avoid any regrets. You’ve made the decision to study at a higher level of education, therefore you should treat every assignment and every class at that same level. In the end all of those nights crying over your assignments will be some of the fondest memories you’ll have for the rest of your life. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to grow as a person you will be so much better for this experience.”