The Learning Connexion

15/06/2026

We'd like you to meet Liam 👋

He's a TLC graduate, a working urban artist, and the tutor leading our brand new Level 3 Urban Art programme starting in Term 3. We sat down with him for a chat about his practice, his teaching style, and why he thinks now is absolute BEST time to start creating.

Read the full interview on our website here: https://www.tlc.ac.nz/news-meet-level-3-tutor-liam/

He's also hosting a 100% free Urban Art workshop on-site this Thursday at 6pm. We strongly urge you to check it out by following the link here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2465183473983827

05/06/2026

On NOW until June 19th 🎨

'Marking Time' showcases the extraordinary work created by TLC students that are studying Levels 4 through 6 of our NZQA programmes while spread across 12 different Corrections facilities across Aotearoa.

Alongside this are featured works from Marlin Briscoe's series, ‘The Secret Life of Objects’.

Through drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, these artists explore observation, storytelling, identity, and the creative potential found in everyday life.
With access to only a limited range of art materials, students demonstrate remarkable ingenuity and resourcefulness, and have embraced mixed media approaches and found creative ways to make art from what is available - one student even incorporating pencil shavings into their work.

Most artworks are available for purchase, with proceeds from sales going directly towards funding further creative study opportunities for learners within Corrections facilities 🖌

On now until 19 June, Weekdays, 9am - 4pm
Free parking, free entry, Located within the LAB Gallery on campus.

Incase you don't know the address: it's 182 Eastern Hutt Road, Taitia, Lower Hutt.

So come and experience an exhibition that celebrates creativity, learning, rehabilitation, and the power of transformation through art. For many incarcerated learners, studying through TLC leads to their first formal qualification, opening pathways to further education, personal growth, and a more positive future 🤗

29/05/2026

🎨 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌 𝟑 🎨

Experience first-hand our brand new Urban Art Certificate in Art & Design (NZQA Level 3) at The Learning Connexion!

This is a hands-on creative programme designed for rangatahi who want to explore street art, illustration, printmaking, creative expression and more.

This 20-week full-time programme will be delivered onsite at our Lower Hutt campus with a limited intake of just 16 students.

Whether you’re finishing school, looking for a creative pathway, or wanting to build confidence through art, this course is all about learning by doing in a supportive creative community.

✨ Starts Term 3 (July 20th)
✨ NZQA Level 3 Qualification
✨ Hands-on, project-based learning
✨ Creative studio environment
✨ Pathway into further creative study

For more information on our Urban Art programme come along to our preview evening on 18th June at 6pm!

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/261467182605863

More info here: https://www.tlc.ac.nz/nzqa-art-qualifications/new-zealand-certificate-in-art-and-design-level-3/

Specialising in Urban Art, this creative programme is designed for ākonga (learners) who are ready to discover and grow their creative capabilities. Whether you’re leaving school or returning to education, this is your opportunity to explore Urban Art in a meaningful, personal way at our on-site ...

21/05/2026

'Shared Matter' is our latest group exhibition featuring the wonderful works from staff and students across all levels with us at TLC.

The theme is "sharing" (fitting actually), and it was up to all of our artists to interpret this in whatever way they saw fit.

As said by the exhibition's talented organiser :
"The show really highlights the diversity of thought, style and experience being fostered here at TLC"

We couldn't agree more! So check out all of the works on display at from today until the 29th of May.

Open 9am - 4.30pm weekdays :)

09/05/2026

Finalist news! ✨

We are proud and honoured to announce that The Learning Connexion has been selected as a finalist in the Creative Gold category in the The Post 2026 Gold Awards Wellington Gold Awards!

On Friday evening, we celebrated alongside fellow finalists at Te Wharewaka o Pōneke / Frank Kitts Lagoon - a special event recognising creativity, service, innovation, technology, and sustainability across the Wellington region.

We are incredibly proud of our students, staff and wider community whose passion, dedication, and creativity make achievements like this possible. 💛

Heartfelt congratulations as well to all the other finalists.

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who is part of the TLC whānau. This recognition belongs to all of you.

Let’s go TLC! ✨

30/04/2026

We always start off our terms with some kai and korero with all our onsite students 😋

It’s so important that we get to share a meal both as an artistic community and a team. It’s also nice to just see what everyone was up to over the break, see the kind of creative projects they were working on and what they are going to start working on!

This is the kind of environment we foster here, one of kindness and respect for one another. If you can envision yourself chatting all things art with us, we’re just here in Taita!! 🌲

27/04/2026

On Friday, MP for Hutt South, Chris Bishop, visited The Learning Connexion's LAB Gallery to view our exhibition 'Worn - Prisoners' Shoes and the Stories They Tell' - a powerful showcase of work created by ākonga in our Corrections programmes.

Worn brings together deeply personal and expressive pieces that reflect stories of identity, resilience, and transformation. It’s a reminder of the important role creativity can play in building confidence, connection, and new pathways forward.
We appreciated the opportunity to share more about the impact of our programmes, and the meaningful outcomes we’re seeing for those engaging in creative education within Corrections facilities.
Ngā mihi Chris for stopping by!

There is still time to view this exhibition. Due to popular demand, Worn has been extended for a further two weeks, until Friday May 8th!

Open Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm, at TLC’s LAB Gallery, 182 Eastern Hutt Road, Taita.

27/04/2026

TLC Alumni Aidan Walbaekken - unmasked as The Block Vandal.
Once a student in our studios, Aidan is now transforming an everyday urban space into striking lego head art, bringing community and art together.

Aidan's journey from TLC to the public space is a powerful reminder that creativity doesn't stop at the studio door. We love seeing our students and alumni push boundaries and find their voice in the world.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AsJ7MEzEW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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23/04/2026

Not everyone works best between 9 and 5. Honestly, most creatives don't 😅

Distance study at TLC means you get to figure out when YOU do your best work and just... do it then. Whether that's early mornings, late nights, or sandwiched between work shifts, it's completely up to you.

Term 2 kicks off 28 April! If you've been sitting on the fence about enrolling, now's a pretty good time to take the leap 💜

Contact us over at [email protected] to find out more, or call us at 0800 278 769.

But if you want to jump straight in, enrol over at https://www.tlc.ac.nz/enrolment-form/

21/04/2026

💥 TLC'S CREATIVITY/ART PREVIEW 💥

TLC are running FREE creativity/art sessions this week and next, and you're invited!

- Thursday 23rd April at Toi Pōneke Arts Centre in Wellington

- Thursday 30th April at Walter Nash in Taita (postponed from the 21st due to the weather)

Run by local artist and TLC tutor Dan Wilkinson, we'll explore art exercises in a friendly welcoming environment. No experience needed, all materials are supplied.

Spaces are limited, so registrations are essential.

Doors open at 6pm with the sessions starting at 6.30pm.

Register here for Walter Nash in Lower Hutt: https://www.jotform.com/build/260987378697887
Register here for Toi Pōneke in Wellington: https://www.jotform.com/build/260986786194073