Raglan Area School Year 11 student Coco Cowley is celebrating after her artwork was selected from hundreds of entries nationwide for the NZQA Ringa Toi Te Papa Exhibition 2026.
The annual exhibition celebrates the artistic achievements of secondary school students, showcasing work created at Excellence level with a focus on Toi Māori and Pacific Arts.
For Coco, the painting is particularly meaningful. It was inspired by a family photograph taken during a day at the beach, showing her grandfather holding her younger brother.
“I chose this picture to paint because I miss my brother, who is all grown up now and works in Australia, and my grandfather has now passed away,” Coco says. “Both of them are significant people in my life.”
Coco was surprised but delighted when her art teacher, Whaea Levonne Fraser, told her she had entered the work into the exhibition and that it had been accepted.
The achievement continues a family connection with Ringa Toi Te Papa. Coco’s sister, Talaia, had artwork selected for the exhibition last year.
Coco has always enjoyed art and says she has particularly enjoyed her Year 11 year at Raglan Area School.
“I’m not sure what the future holds for me, but I know art will always be a part of it.”
