From the moment I walked into the Auckland art gallery I was wowed by beautiful ceilings & pou, courtesy of Arnold Manaaki-Wilson. The serenity of the wooden ceiling & the power & symmetry of the pou.

Then looking a little further over I am struck by a burst of colour in the form of flowers. An installation.

The humble, intelligent and warm opening speeches were typical of my experience of pacific island hospitality. By the end of the opening speeches I was excited to traverse the stairs & cast my eyes on the art works. My eyes were treated to a visual feast. I laughed, I became frozen still, I mourned, tears welled up & recognition of the artists works and of some of them as fellow artists and friends, gave way to pride. I loved every moment of it. Auckland should be very proud indeed to have such talented yet humble artists to be living in her city. Pacific art comes in many diverse media and has many messages to be heard.

I feel all the richer for attending the opening show.