Toi MAHARA offers learning experiences that connect learners with art, culture, creativity and the stories of Kāpiti. Through exhibitions, our collections and local knowledge, learners are encouraged to explore ideas, think critically, ask questions and develop their own creative responses.
We currently offer a range of guided and self-guided learning opportunities for schools and community groups.
There are no charges for this service.
Bookings
Bookings are required for all school groups, guided or self-guided, two weeks prior to visiting.
One class per visit. To discuss availability or any special requirements, contact us at education@toimahara.nz
RAM (Risk Analysis Management) form
Guided Tours Available Tuesdays 10am–3pm
Primary and secondary school groups are invited to explore Toi MAHARA through educator-led exhibition tours that connect students with contemporary art, ideas and creative practice. Programmes are tailored to different year levels and curriculum needs, encouraging close observation, dialogue, creativity and critical thinking through engagement with artworks and exhibitions. Learning supports visual arts alongside social sciences, English, local history and cultural studies.
Option 1: Exhibition Tour (45 min–1 hr)
A guided gallery experience introducing key exhibition themes, artists and selected works. Students are supported to engage through discussion, questioning, close observation and visual analysis. In-gallery sketching and short activities may be included to strengthen observation skills and encourage personal responses to the artworks.
Option 2: Tour + Creative Workshop (1.5 hours)
This option extends the exhibition experience into a hands-on workshop developed in direct response to the artworks, themes and artistic processes encountered during the tour. Following the guided visit, students participate in a creative making session that responds to the approaches and ideas of exhibiting artists. The emphasis is on experimentation, creative confidence and critical thinking, with students developing their own responses through making.
Art Collection Curator Tour (45 mins–1.5 hr)
Available during gallery opening hours for senior secondary students by prior arrangement.
Curator-led tours are available for senior secondary students studying visual arts, art history, design and related subjects. These in-depth sessions explore selected works from the Toi MAHARA collections including the nationally significant Field Collection with works by notable New Zealand artists such as Frances Hodgkins. Sessions include close analysis of artworks alongside discussion of their social, historical, and cultural significance.
Optional guided in-gallery sketching sessions provide students with time for close observation, visual analysis and creative response within the exhibition spaces.
Place-Based Learning and Te Ao Māori
At Toi MAHARA, Te Ao Māori is woven throughout learning experiences that integrate place-based approaches, encouraging students to connect with local histories, environments, communities and cultural narratives. Guided tours are available for all ngā toi exhibitions, with selected tours available in Te Reo Māori by prior arrangement.
Self-Guided School Visits
Available Tuesday to Friday between 10am–4pm
Teachers and school groups are welcome to visit Toi MAHARA independently during gallery opening hours. Self-guided visits allow groups to explore exhibitions at their own pace, connecting classroom learning across visual arts, social sciences, history and English. Maximum 20 students per group. Adult supervision essential. Prior booking essential.