2025 Hot New Things: Hannah Kai Fong, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Design Assembly profiles a selection of the top graduates from the best Art and Design Schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. We welcome these talented emerging professionals to our industry, learn about their passions, final projects, developing creative confidence and ambitions for the future.
Today we speak with Hannah Kai Fong who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Design Innovation from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate study options in art and design by visiting our Design Schools page.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
Hi, I’m Hannah! I’m a designer based in Wellington. I have majored in communication design, with a minor in interaction and media design. My design passion lies in solving visual puzzles and exploring new perspectives, always striving to strike the perfect balance between form and function. I believe in the importance of continuous learning, staying curious and adapting to the ever-evolving design landscape.
What was the focus of your graduating project?
‘Kai Fong Kai’, is a 36-page illustrated family cookbook, featuring a blend of Chinese and Kiwi dishes.
The inspiration for this project stemmed from a family tradition of creating a recipe book for the next sibling to leave home. It was my turn to make one for my younger sister, so I decided to turn it into a full-scale project.
With family spread across Aotearoa New Zealand, Dubai, Canada, and London, we rarely get together. When we do, our gatherings are centered around food, and ‘Kai Fong Kai’ commemorates some of the recipes that have fed those family bonds and created lasting memories. The project also allowed me to celebrate and further explore my cultural heritage as I find the balance of being both Pākehā and Chinese.
Why did you choose to study design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington?
I have always had a passion for arts and crafts, so it was a natural progression to study painting and design at school. However, when it came time for my tertiary education, I took a different route and enrolled in computer science at the University of Canterbury. I enjoyed math and thought pursuing a technical field was the right move, with the idea that I could eventually combine it with my creative skills and work in backend development.
It didn’t take long for me to realise I needed to be designing from the get-go, so I made the decision to pursue design and move to Wellington, drawn by the city’s reputation as a creative hub. to pursue design. Victoria University offered a flexible design program allowing me to mix and match courses from different majors in my first year. This gave me the freedom to explore various aspects of design before deciding on my pathway.
Another key factor in my choice was the inclusion of creative coding courses within the Media Design Major. These courses allowed me to use my skills from computer science, and apply them in more imaginative ways. The flexibility and cross-disciplinary approach offered at Victoria University made it the perfect fit for me, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
What did you enjoy most about the design programme?
Aside from the programme’s flexibility, the course has also allowed me to explore areas of design I have always been interested in. For example, I took animation and fashion design papers, both of which I loved. The variety helped me refine my skills across several mediums and kept my learning pathway fresh and engaging.
I also loved being part of a community of like-minded individuals who share the same level of passion for design. Who knew I would find other people who care as much about finding the perfect font pairing, or getting the kerning just right!
Our lecturers have also had a massive part to play in my positive experience. Their passion for their subjects is clear, and I appreciated the extra effort they made to engage with our work. Their enthusiasm has been contagious, and I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing their real-life stories, all of which have made the learning environment more enjoyable.
What was your biggest challenge while studying?
imposter syndrome! I know many creatives struggle with it. There were, and still are, times when I doubt my skills and place in design. I think trusting the process, seeking feedback, and reminding myself that growth comes with practice have been the best ways to address this.
The other big challenge for me was knowing when to stop. Design is an iterative process, and there will always be room for improvement or other ideas to explore. However, I had to learn that at some point, you need to step back and say, “This is good enough.” Finding the balance between pushing for perfection and knowing when a project is finished was a huge learning curve for me. It also taught me the importance of maintaining balance between the demands of my creative work and the rest of my life.
Was there someone (or something) that inspired you to pick design as a career path?
I’ve been fortunate to have had several amazing art and design teachers throughout my schooling, but one that stands out is Mrs. Carini, my design technology teacher from an international school I went to in Hong Kong. She had an incredibly creative mind, and her enthusiasm made the process of designing things fun and exciting. Her approach to teaching was hands-on, and she encouraged me to explore new creative outlets, which left a lasting impression on me
Who is your favourite designer/artist/creative?
Probably William Morris. His work is iconic, timeless and amazingly influential. I love that his creativity spanned so many different fields – from interior and textile design, to typography and book arts. I admire his craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. His ability to balance artistry and functionality inspires my own design practice.
What piece in your portfolio are you most proud of?
My capstone project, ‘Kai Fong Kai’. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in so many ways—exploring personal subjects, learning new publishing skills, and even approaching bookstores to stock it!
What makes this project even more special is the involvement of my family. Their contributions and personal stories behind the recipes added a sense of connection that I’m proud to have captured. I try to incorporate that kind of personal touch in all my work, but this project really allowed me to express this sentiment.
The 8 weeks of design work were intense – with many late nights and hand cramps along the way – but Kai Fong Kai feels like the project that most strongly reflects my personality as a designer. While I’m rarely fully satisfied with my work, this is the closest I’ve come to that feeling. I’m proud to have Kai Fong Kai as both an heirloom and a culinary guide for my sister’s next chapter.
What’s next for you?
When I first wrote this submission, my answer was ” I’d love to find a role in a creative and collaborative environment where I can continue honing my skills. work on projects that push me to grow as a designer, and contribute my own fresh ideas.”
And guess what? I couldn’t be happier – I did! I’m a junior designer at Alphero in Wellington, and I feel very privileged to be part of an amazing team the values creativity, curiosity, and fun.
Where can we see more of your work?
My Portfolio, LinkedIn, and Instagram .Contact me through any of these to have a chat!
