Embroidered Textiles

Toi Rauwhārangi is Massey University's College of Creative Arts, based in Wellington, New Zealand.

We offer internationally acclaimed degrees in Design, Māori Visual Arts, Fine Arts, Commercial Music and Screen Arts.

We provide an inspiring learning environment and a supportive and professional faculty that will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in all creative industries.

With an excellent reputation for innovative creative arts research and practice, Toi Rauwhārangi is New Zealand's oldest and most comprehensive creative arts school.

The values we share
Creativity

Showing creativity in thinking, making and doing (being original, adaptable and risk-taking).

Virtuosity

Demonstrating meaningfulness and expertise in the making of things, through materials, processes and ideas (technique, fluency, flair).

Understanding

Showing a critical understanding of the context, process and effects of what is made (awareness, sensitivity, judgement).

Autonomy

Acting and thinking independently (being curious and responsible).

Connectedness

Communicating and connecting with others (collaborating, sharing, being professional).

We're known for being outstanding

Our study programmes let you work across discipline areas, collaborate with other students and connect with leaders in the industry.

Toi Rauwhārangi lecturers are active in their own creative arts research and practice, so you'll be taught by leading artists, performers, designers, and industry experts.

Take advantage of their connections with industry—companies like Weta Workshop and Ducati—so you can see how creative arts meets the real world and get a taste for life in a creative profession.

Our History

1886

Arthur Riley establishes New Zealand's first School of Design.

1905

Riley's School of Design becomes the Wellington Technical College, New Zealand's first coeducational multi-purpose day school.

1962

Wellington Technical College splits into Wellington High School and Wellington Polytechnic, with the School of Design remaining its major component.

1999

Wellington Polytechnic merges with Massey University. The College of Design, Fine Arts and Music is established to offer degree programmes in fine art, photography, design, and also music from the Conservatorium of Music.

2014

Toi Atea: Māori art and design, visual and material culture is added.

2015

Following the agreed transfer of the New Zealand School of Music (Classical and Jazz) to Victoria University of Wellington, Massey establishes Te Rewa o Puanga School of Music and Creative Media Production, offering new degrees in popular music and digital media production.

Industry partners

We partner with some of the best local and global companies. At the College of Creative Arts you'll get real life experience, work with clients, and learn from the best in the industry.

Our students and academics are known for making great work and winning awards and competitions worldwide. 

Ka Mua, Ka Muri

mural by Xoë Hall

In March 2020 Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts commissioned a street mural by Xoë Hall (Kai Tahu), with a brief to embody the creativity that lives here on the Pukeahu campus.