Resene X NZ Fringe Tables Return for 2025

The Resene X NZ Fringe tables are back for 2025, bringing a vibrant collection of artist-designed picnic tables to life. Artists from diverse backgrounds have poured their creativity into these unique pieces, using Resene paints to transform ordinary tables into stunning works of art. The festival invites artists to share their boldest, quirkiest and most imaginative ideas – resulting in a delightful mix of storytelling, nature and city culture painted onto tabletops. 

From Wellington’s iconic coffee culture to dreamlike landscapes and playful interactive elements, here’s a look at the talented artists behind this year’s tables and their inspirations. 

Mil Hampy 

Mil Hampyis a multidisciplinary artist working in illustration, tattoo, textile and printmaking, explores themes of queerness, folklore and play. Mil’s table design captures the dynamic personalities of Fringe, drawing inspiration from the gala and the diverse range of performers who light up the festival. Drag queens, circus leaders and MCs are all represented in a vibrant explosion of colour. Mil used an eclectic mix of Resene shades, including Resene Black, Resene Pink Panther, Resene Sunflower, Resene Boston Blue, Resene Top Secret, Resene Hi Jinx, Resene Gobstopper, ReseneYeehaa and Resene Funtasia, among others.  

Micaela Rojas 

Latin American artist Micaela Rojas draws inspiration from nature and the cosy moments in life. Her picnic table design merges Wellington’s strong coffee culture with the mystical symbolism of the Tarot card Temperance. Two coffee cups pour into each other, representing balance and flow, while the surrounding landscape elements reflect the city's stunning natural environment. The urban energy of Fringe is captured through bold colour choices – a Resene Black background with pops of Resene Smitten, Resene Scrumptious, ResenePicton Blue, Resene Studio and Resene Wellywood. 

Renee Heayns 

Wellington-based artist Renee Heayns, who specialises in animation, illustration and theatre design, explores themes of escapism in her table. Her concept, above, revolves around “melting into nature” as a way to find solace from life’s overwhelming moments. Inspired by surreal 1920s cartoons, Renee’s table features playful, fluid imagery and the vibrant Nasturtium flower, symbolising victory in struggle. 

Lisa Goldberg 

Lisa Goldberg’s work focuses on painting serene, dreamlike spaces, and her table reflects this beautifully. She sought to create an oasis within the fast-paced city, designing a water lily pond that invites the viewer into a peaceful, fantasy-like world. Her palette includes a stunning array of Resene hues including Resene Endeavour, ReseneChristalle, Resene Black, Resene Bright Spark, Resene Poppy, Resene Kaitoke Green, Resene Milk Chocolate, Resene Aqua, ReseneSurfie Green, Resene Toffee, Resene Trinidad and Resene White. 

Mika Turnbull 

A set and props artist turned tattoo apprentice, Mika Turnbull’s table captures the beauty of seasonal change. Featuring two people enjoying the shift from spring to summer, her design includes Mānuka flowers, dew drops from the previous night’s rain, and a sky filled with bright, hopeful sunlight. Mika’s used Resene colours like Resene Sandy Beach, Resene Celtic, Resene Prairie Sand, Resene Highland, Resene Jordy Blue and Resene Surf Crest to bring her vision to life. 

Aimée Sullivan