An exhibition of finely-crafted S70 mini huts by Kemi & Niko

Aotearoa artists Kemi Whitwell (Ngāi Tahu) and Niko Leyden, work at the intersection of sculpture, public art, and fine craft. Their full-time practice draws on backcountry vernacular architecture—particularly tramping huts—as a way to explore connection to Te Taiao, material histories, and relationships to land. Over the past 13 years, through their use of salvaged and reclaimed materials they have developed a distinctive sculptural language grounded in reuse, durability, and collective memory. 

Since the pandemic, Kemi & Niko have built a sustainable studio practice, in rural Waikato, with their widely recognised Mini Huts. Over 1000 of these fine craft objects are held in private collections throughout Aotearoa, and are frequently experienced as markers of place, memory, and shared values.

The collection of huts created for Tin / Timber / Time celebrate the many faces of the S70 hut; the hands and minds of the builders and volunteers who couldn’t help but put their stamp on each one. Every hut tells a story of place, people and a shared spirit of resilience. For Kemi & Niko, the humble mid-century design has become a symbol of a unique backcountry culture centred on egalitarian values and a heartfelt connection with nature. 
 

Join us for the exhibition opening – 2pm Saturday 12 September

Exhibition showing 9 September – 3 October 2026

Gallery Hours:

9am-5pm Wednesday to Friday

9am-2pm Saturday