Whenua Made: Meet Natalie Patterson

As Visitor Experience Manager, Natalie Patterson not only coordinates Pātaka events and front-of-house operations but ensures visitors feel welcome and safe. Nat also manages the gallery shop, Toi Store, and she’s just launched its Summer exhibition Whenua Made, showcasing NZ-made artworks and gifts, with everything for sale. The starting point was a personal link with Hohepa Creative Works in Hawkes Bay.

Nat, why did Hohepa Creative Works spark this exhibition for you?

Hohepa Creative Works has always been part of my world — my youngest daughter is a resident, and I’ve seen the beautiful, intentional spaces they create for people with intellectual disabilities; built on creativity, aroha and the belief that everyone deserves a life well lived.

Whenua Made also includes works from Āe Botanicals, House of Harakeke, Fran Carter, Carl Hobman, Critical, Leonie Sharp, Stephen Myhre, Charlie Marsh, Heather Kreman and Sew Good Collective.

Around 170 artists sell their work through Toi Store throughout the year, and every one of them is connected to the land (whenua) in some way, either through the materials they use or the stories those materials carry. So Whenua Made came together quite naturally.

Who helped you bring the exhibition to life?

I had incredible support from our artists, who trusted the kaupapa and shared their work generously, and from the Pātaka team who worked alongside me. It was a collective effort, grounded in the values that guide us: creativity, connection and honouring the stories that come from our whenua.

How did you first get involved with Pātaka?

My path to Pātaka was guided by a love for colour, form and creating experiences that feel good for people. I’ve always been interested in interiors and fashion and fell in love with making things when my daughters were young. Before joining Pātaka, I was a people leader in large contact centres, managing teams and learning how to build environments where staff and customers feel supported. Alongside that, I ran a business offering food delivery, gifting and care packages. I’ve also hosted large events and that’s where I really hit my stride: planning the theme, décor, food, music and vibe. When the role at Pātaka came up, it brought together everything I naturally gravitated towards — art, people, storytelling and the chance to shape environments that feel welcoming and alive.

What do you love most about the role?

The visitors’ reactions. I love those simple, genuine conversations that happen every day: someone wanders into the galleries for the first time, has a beautiful experience then goes home and tells their whānau… and the next day they’re all back, wanting to share that feeling together. That ripple effect is magic.

I also enjoy watching my team connecting with the community; answering questions and feeling that same sense of purpose.

I get to see some cool artworks and meet the artists. We’re lucky — we get to be kaitiaki, guardians, of this space, and that’s something I never take for granted.

Sometimes our exhibitions can be confronting — dealing with identity, loss, injustice and resilience. It’s not my role to soften or sway how people perceive them. Our artists are storytellers, and we honour their voice, but it’s open to visitors to bring their own perspectives and emotional reactions.