A familiar face and well-known creative force is now leading the Visual Arts department at Dio. Toni Carter, a passionate educator, has stepped into the role of Teacher in Charge of Visual Arts within Dio’s award-winning Arts Faculty.
A dedicated and accomplished teacher with over 30 years of experience, Toni considers herself fortunate to have spent 20 of those years teaching in the classrooms and art facilities at Diocesan.
“Teaching art has provided opportunities for me to work across a range of disciplines which I love. When I started at Dio in 2003, I remember being very excited about the opportunity to work with then-Head of Arts, Shelley Ryde. She shared her knowledge and skills in art education with me, which has enabled me to now lead our fantastic teaching team.”
A Journey in Art and Education
Growing up in the Waikato, Toni began her academic journey at Waikato University, where she earned a Degree in Education and a Diploma of Teaching. Her first teaching role was at Te Kauwhata College as the Head of Department (HOD) of Visual Arts. After teaching in London and traveling, she returned to New Zealand to another HOD Visual Art role at Waiuku College. She first started working at Diocesan in 2003 and completed her Master of Fine Arts in 2005. Since then, Toni has worked in both full time and part time roles at the school as she has juggled family, artistic endeavours and her passion for teaching.
Leading Visual Arts at Dio
The Visual Arts department at Dio offers a broad range of disciplines, including Painting, Design, Photography and Printmaking, with the latter two being Toni’s area of expertise. As Teacher in Charge, Toni will oversee the curriculum in this area and lead an experienced team of specialist teachers.
“Our art teachers are incredibly passionate about what they do and give generously of their time so students can realise their potential and excel in the visual arts,” she says.
When asked about her love of Printmaking, Toni shares, “I appreciate the experimental approach to the process and the often-unintended outcomes that can be the most exciting.”
Senior students who take Printmaking this year will benefit from Toni’s extensive knowledge as they develop their work.
Toni believes Dio’s resources for students taking art are outstanding, providing visual art spaces that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Looking ahead, she says, “We are very fortunate to be moving into the newly renovated Shrewsbury Building in 2026. This space will provide Visual Art students with photography studios, digital print rooms, and design studios, all equipped with the latest technology.”
Why Study Art?
When asked why students should study art, Toni emphasises, “Students should study what they love, what they are passionate about, and for many, this passion lies in the visual arts.
“Studying visual arts nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Visual arts subjects play a vital role in promoting personal growth as students are encouraged to explore ideas that hold personal and cultural significance. It is a privilege to be part of this journey and the stories they tell.
“Whether they pursue careers in the arts or not, the skills gained through visual arts education enhance innovation, collaboration, and self-expression—essential qualities for success in any field.”
A Year of Success for Visual Arts at Dio
Toni is extremely proud of the Visual Arts scholarships awarded to Dio students in 2024.
“We’ve just had one of our best years in terms of scholarship success. Eight scholarships were awarded across Photography, Painting, Design and Printmaking. This acknowledges our talented students and the strength of our programmes and teachers in the Visual Arts.”
One particularly notable achievement was by Mina Kelleher, whose painting portfolio, Tracking the Land, was selected for the prestigious NZQA Top Art Touring Exhibition in 2025.
Toni is excited about the upcoming year and is looking forward to introducing new and exciting learning opportunities, continuing to help students thrive and excel in the Visual Arts.
Art and Future Aspirations
When asked about her own art, she says: “While I still love to work on creative projects, my time will come to further my own artistic practice. For now, I am focused on my new role at Dio and providing opportunities for students to explore and realise their creative potential in a supportive and inspiring space.”
With her wealth of experience, enthusiasm for the arts, and deep connection to Dio, Toni Carter’s appointment as Teacher in Charge, Visual Arts is an exciting moment for the Visual Arts department and the entire school community.
