2026 Hot New Things: Bee Wilson, 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 […]
5 days ago by Iris Kalff
2025 Hot New Things: Cat Parkinson, Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington
Cat Parkinson has graduated with a Bachelor of Design Innovation majoring in Fashion Design Technology and minoring in Industrial Design from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Find out more […]
4 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Hannah Kai Fong, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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 […]
4 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Elisa Yiying Shen, University of Auckland
I was surrounded by voices telling me I needed to be successful, impactful, kind, and many other things that defined the ideal career path—such as becoming a scientist, doctor, lawyer, or even an astronaut. The pressure to meet these expectations made me try hard to fit into those roles, but deep down, no one really asked what I wanted to be.
4 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Makai Ingalls, University of Auckland
The University of Auckland’s multidisciplinary approach was exactly what I was looking for. It wasn’t just about learning the tools of the trade; it was about understanding the bigger picture—how design impacts people, businesses, and society. The lecturers were incredibly supportive, and the hands-on projects pushed me to experiment, take creative risks, and think critically about my work.
5 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Sioeli Paea, Unitec
Sioeli Paea managed to finish his degree without having access to his own computer due to financial strain! “It was pretty difficult not having the luxury of taking my work home with me after class or being able to work on stuff on my own time.”
5 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Hayden Middleton, Auckland University of Technology
Once I have my mind set on something, I intend to see it through, and getting into a graphic design course became a goal that really helped push me through the end of high school.
5 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Siena Thompson, University of Auckland
Siena Thompson recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in Design and Global Studies from the University of Auckland and is now leveraging her degree into a growing career in sustainability.
5 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Emma Stein, Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts, Massey University
Emma Stein recently graduated from Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts, Massey University. Find out more about tertiary study options across Aotearoa New Zealand on our Design Schools page.
6 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Lili Davies, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Aotearoa can be a very accepting country for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially regarding laws. However, after a few conversations with my queer friends and flatmates, I realised we all shared a common experience. With ABJECT, I wanted to start a conversation about how we can be more aware of our comments and actions.
10 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: George Ballard, Whitecliffe College
George Ballard, Whitecliffe College graduate, has designed “No More Noodles” to enable everyone to pursue the joy of cooking with the resources they have.
10 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Jade Little, Victoria University of Wellington
I wanted to design products that showcased my roots in painting, and my passion for using my design practice to help animals.
10 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Joey Charles, Ara Institute of Canterbury
Today we speak with Joey Charles who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communications) from Ara Institute of Canterbury.
10 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Olivia Owen, Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington
Olivia Owen is a natural extrovert with a love for all things communication. She recently graduated from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and told us all about her experience
10 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Zoe Ford Whitecliffe College
Today we speak with Zoe Ford who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Design and Digital Marketing from Whitecliffe College.
11 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Mia Gilmore, Ara Institute of Canterbury
A to NZ is an original book by Mia Gilmore about the typography of Aotearoa New Zealand. It reveals the stories and ideas from the past and explores what could be in the future.
11 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Nara Won, Media Design School
Nara Won, recent MDS grad, takes a subject that causes discomfort and disinterest—moths—and explores how interactivity and illustration can be used to create an engaging learning resource.
11 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Issie Cassidy, Whitecliffe
What appealed to me most about the programme was the array of digital skills that they taught which would help me to be a versatile designer, prepared to enter the workforce.
11 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Emma Jackson, Otago Polytechnic
Emma Jackson was lucky enough to be offered an internship with Christchurch startup oVRcome, who make accessible VR exposure therapy (cool right?!?).
11 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Kit Erwin, Media Design School
Kit Erwin has long been creatively inspired by the symbolism, imagery and storytelling of tarot cards. Read about the deck Kit designed by combing the imagery of the Major Arcana cards with interactivity in the form of augmented reality.
11 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Sam Wixon, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
Today we speak with Sam Wixon who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Design Innovation, major in Design for Social Innovation from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
11 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Nicole Paulin, ARA Institute of Canterbury
Kaon Ta! is a Filipino cuisine board game to inspire young Pinoy children living in Aotearoa New Zealand, to embrace their first culture and bond with their peers through the celebration of Filipino meals!
11 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Ruby Bird, AUT Art and Design
Ruby Bird, recent graduate from AUT documents the connection between creating and uncertainty through analogue typography.
11 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Benjamin Walsham, Media Design School
“Manifesto” is an interactive, empathy-led campaign designed to capture the emotional landscape of tertiary students across Aotearoa.
11 months ago by Design Assembly
2025 Hot New Things: Frankie Robertson, Otago Polytechnic
Today we speak with Frankie Robertson who recently graduated her studies in Communication Design from Otago Polytechnic. Find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate study options in art and design by visiting […]
11 months ago by Design Assembly