.png)
%20(1).png)
_edited.png)
Our Mahi Toi
(artworks)
Te Whai Hiringa, has been undergoing a significant transformation to our environment. Following on from the name change, now embracing its Māori roots, taking on a name that reflects its mission: "to pursue potential." Central to this change are three murals, created to capture the kura’s new identity and cultural values, inspired by the Takitimu voyage from Hawaiiki to Aotearoa. These murals, depicted, represent a journey of challenge, welcome, and potential. One last thing, these murals in the front are set in Ranginui for the dreams that are there and the higher frequency of wairua that is attained there (in Rangi), that, we wish for everyone that passes through te waharoa ō Te Whai Hiringa, including its Tumuaki.
The murals in the front are set in Ranginui for the dreams that are there and the higher frequency of wairua that is attained there (in Rangi), that, I wish for everyone that passes through te waharoa ō Te Whai Hiringa, including its Tumuaki, Kaiako, Tamariki and whānau.
The first panel, at the entrance, depicts a wero or challenge from a tāne toa, named Kingi (a nod to a passed friend and the Kingitanga – this more for your information not the wider story), symbolizing the students’ daily commitment to respect and cultivate their known and unknown potential. A tane toa lays down the challenge, to motivate tamariki as they walk through the school gates. Te toa is set against a background of kowhaiwhai pattern representing their whakapapa – regardless of culture, representing the rich heritage tamariki bring into the kura. The kowhaiwhai resembles sheet music, reminding the students that, like a waiata written by their tīpuna into their DNA, they are already great and are encouraged to strive for their fullest potential.
The second panel depicts the tikanga of karanga, to welcome all who enter the school, from students to teachers and the wider community. Rongomaiwahine, an esteemed tupuna and ariki, stands tall, holding a pounamu mere in her hands, representing tamariki under her care and protection as they journey through their education. Adorned in the traditional kahukiwi cloak, wearing pounamu earrings and a kapeu, Rongomaiwahine embodies the strength and nurturing presence of a rangatira. Behind her, the design features both Samoan tatau and the mangopare, a symbol of resilience and determination, representing the strength of the tamariki. The panel is further adorned with flowers that honour the cultural diversity within the school—hibiscus for Samoa & Tonga, frangipani for the Cook Islands, and kowhai for Māori and Kiwi kids of Aotearoa New Zealand. The horizon features Rongokako, a reference to the whakapapa of Kahungunu, reminding the students of their rich whakapapa.
The third and final panel ties all the elements together, honouring the collective cultural tapestry of the school. This panel showcases Tongan tatau designs alongside Māori whakairo, symbolizing the interconnectedness of these cultures. It also features a contemporary take on the Fijian Masi tapa, acknowledging the strong women of Fiji who created these ceremonial pieces. The Fijian mat represents the aspirations of the Fijian descendants within the school. The kowhaiwhai pattern running through the top of this mural ties all panels together, representing the mana whenua of the land. A Chinese symbol, Shou, known for representing the five blessings—virtue, health, long life, wealth, and a peaceful end—over the top are Pohutukawa flowers, symbolizing transition and new beginnings with Hine-nui-te-pō further supporting the aspect of the last blessing, offers protection and guidance as the students journey through life. As the students walk past these panels, they are reminded of their potential, celebrated for their cultural heritage, and challenged to be curious and confident in their journey. The piwakawaka, or fantail, a symbol of curiosity and energy, flits at the edge of the third panel, representing the students themselves—ready to enter the kura and thrive. Each mural invites the children to embrace their identity, strive for excellence, and feel nurtured in a space that honours their culture and aspirations.
The mural hall wall, it is a representation of the main cultures of our kura: Cook Islands (Kuki), Samoa (Lesa), Rongomaiwahine, Kahungunu, Tonga (Sina), and Fiji (Bula). Elements of each has been created to ensure the tamariki see themselves reflected in these designs, by up and coming artist Reef Toatoa, recognising the beauty and strength in their own culture, we wanted the tamariki to look up and see themselves, proud of their culture, respectful of their differences to others, that they are beautiful, they are handsome, which makes each of them unique. These cultures are woven into the front murals, creating a continuity that honours both tradition and tikanga, seen in the customs represented and the kākahu worn by each figure.Moko kauae on the wāhine are a tribute to two significant strong wahine toa who have inspired the artist. Through this work, we want all tamariki to see their own potential and aspire to be their best. The artists way of honouring those who came before us, while giving tamariki a vision of the greatness, a space to tell them their stories and imagination.