On Sunday, 3 August 2025, the grounds of SGINZ Culture Centre in Ellerslie came alive for the opening of Tūmanako 2025, an annual art exhibition where young people share their dreams for a peaceful, inclusive, nuclear-free world in remembrance of Hiroshima Day.
Tūmanako, meaning hope in te reo Māori, invites tamariki and taiohi (aged 8 to 18) from across Aotearoa to channel their passion into art – whether 2D or 3D, digital works, poetry, performance, or music – under the theme: “Nothing is more precious than peace”. Prior to the event, participants submitted their creations, ensuring a powerful and diverse exhibition highlighting youth voices from local schools – including contributions coordinated by students from Albany Senior High School (ASHS).
The day kicked off at 10am with a traditional Gongyo and mihi whakatau, setting a tone of unity and manaakitanga. A welcoming guide introduced attendees to the powerful displays of artwork, each piece carrying its creator’s hope for a better world.
A key moment came during the youth panel, where Year 13 ASHS student Jeslie Ilali joined young leaders from different backgrounds for engaging kōrero on peace-building. Jeslie reflected:
“Being part of the Tūmanako opening was such a special and humbling experience for me. Sitting on the youth panel and sharing my perspective alongside other young leaders reminded me how powerful our voices can be when we speak from the heart about peace. The room felt alive with colour, music, and the warmth of community. It was as if hope itself had filled the space. I loved watching people of all ages join the activities, from children drawing their visions of a better world to adults sharing personal messages of kindness and understanding. For me, the most moving moment was seeing strangers from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, and walks of life connect over art and conversation – proving that peace isn’t just an idea, it’s something we create together, moment by moment. Walking away, I felt proud, inspired, and more certain than ever that every small action taken mattered in building peace, and that we are just one more step closer to a more peaceful future.” – Jeslie Ilali, Albany Senior High School
Interactive stations around the gallery invited visitors of all ages to contribute. Through activities like “Peace Shoutouts” and “What Would You Do?”, participants voiced personal hopes, imaginative solutions, and heartfelt commitments to fostering peace in their communities.
Amid these creative exchanges, performances in music, dance, and spoken word brought energy and emotion to the day. A specially curated visual art display, featuring works collected by ASHS students from local schools, underscored the collaborative spirit and depth of youth engagement.
As the closing moments approached, acknowledgement of participants’ efforts came through prize and certificate presentations, celebrating standout art, performances, and contributions to dialogue.
The event culminated with a stirring closing address by our Principal, Claire Amos, who reflected on the powerful intersection of art, youth, and peace-building. Her words captured the solidarity and aspiration radiating from all who attended.
A final group photo brought the event to a close – an emblem of the unity and optimism that define Tūmanako.
The exhibition remains open at the SGINZ Culture Centre (40 Eaglehurst Road, Ellerslie) until 24 August, and promises to inspire all visitors. Don’t miss this moving showcase of young people’s visions for a peaceful, inclusive, and nuclear-free future.
