Tūrakawaewae ​​​​Waitaki Mural Project

​​​​​​​Creatives in School Project 2024

Inspired by the newly-introduced Aotearoa New Zealand Histories curriculum, our students and teachers have created a 

research-based visual resource mural about the history of our takiwā; Waitaki, our parish, and St Kevin’s College. 

Last September, student representatives from each junior class visited Te Ana Māori Rock Art, Vanished World, Elephant Rocks and Anatini to gather information and feed back to their peers. Each Social Studies class was responsible for the content design of one panel.

Over eight weeks in Term 4 all students painted the murals in collaboration with our artist-in-residence, Ira Mitchell. Art students then learnt specific painting techniques and applied these skills for the finer details.

Further research will be attached here - accessible by QR Code - so that this project continues to grow along with our increasing understanding of and appreciation for our geography and history.

Prehistoric Aotearoa

The Rauru kōwhaiwhai pattern represents the beginning of time and the continuation of life force.

Early Species of Aotearoa

The Mangopare kōwhaiwhai pattern denotes power and resilience. Painted coming towards the viewer the pattern represents the mammals that are now extinct. The Puhoro in the sky represents the speed of the Pouākai (Haast Eagle).

Waitaha / Kāi Tahu ​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Creation Stories

The Puhoro kōwhaiwhai pattern in the sky represents the speed of the waka atua while the Koiri pattern in the water denotes whakapapa, familial bonds, and nurturing.

Mahika Kai​

The Pātikitiki kōwhaiwhai pattern in the awa denotes hospitality and the abundance of kai. The kape in the sky is a reminder of the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) and the importance of the seasons.

Early Colonial Settlement and Land Disputes with Takata Whenua 1840’s

The Ngutu Kura kōwhaiwhai pattern in the sky represents unity and collective communication - in reference to Kāi Tahu and the response of Tiramōrehu and Te Maiharoa to the unfulfilled promises of Kemp’s Deed.

 Industry Comes to Ōamaru​​​​​​​

The Rauru kōwhaiwhai pattern symbolises the beginning of industry and embracing new ways of working on the land.

Ōamaru Town and Port

The Rauru kōwhaiwhai pattern shows the continued growth of the Ōamaru township and the surrounding land.

Teschemakers, The Dominicans and The Basilica

The Pouhine raranga pattern in the sky celebrates education, enlightenment and learning for girls.

St Kevin’s College

The raranga pattern in the sky is the Poutama pattern to represent Tāne and his ascent into the heavens to retrieve the baskets of knowledge. This panel celebrates education, enlightenment and learning for boys, and later co-education.

The Beginning

Mural In Progress

Mural Finished

Formal Blessing

Thanks to our supporters: Ira Mitchell, Creatives in Schools, Resene Paints, Placemakers, Sheetmetal Specialists, Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre, Vanished World, Nola Tipa, David Higgins (Te Rūnanga o Moeraki), Ken McCallum and the Construction students, the Social Sciences and Visual Arts Faculties, the school hostel and dining room, the Year Nine and Ten students of 2024, and the wider school community.