Students taniwha drawing making an impact

Taita Central School asked me to work with their students to design a mural that expresses who they are as a school and welcomes the community in. The school is nestled in the Hutt Valley near te awa kairangi. The school has gone through some exciting changes with their land guardianship over the past five years with the governance of the land now lying with several local iwi. This has bought a wonderful opportunity for more knowledge, learning and growth. The school is in the process of creating a harekeke garden where they hope to provide opportunities in harvesting and weaving flax. The weaving of this knowledge is a lovely metaphor for the schools access to their community for inspiration and guidance. With a large pacifica and maori role the students have chosen some cultural patterns that fit with their identity. The traditions and stories about the local area are alive with taniwha Awarua, Ngake and Whataitai and native birds particularly the Kārearea. The students have shared with me their strong value of friendship within the school which they are really proud of.

The taniwha in the final mural is based on a students drawing below. I had never seen a child so proud of himself. At the unveiling he stood in front of the mural while his family took a photo and he was absolutely beaming. I feel so very privileged to be able to share this wonderful journey with so many talented wee artists. Did I mention how much I love this job!!!