Methanex is behind the local community by investing in Huirangi Primary School’s breath-taking murals.
The organisation funded the school’s two murals to showcase its identity on the outer walls of a classroom block, situated south of Methanex off Waitara Road. Local artist Michael Montgomerie painted the main mural and signwriter David Moore painted the tohu design on the second wall.
Principal Natalie Looney said the exterior of the school needed a well overdue uplift by adding some colour.
“But also to reflect our bicultural community and surroundings,” she said. The mural on the northern end of the building represents the school’s three houses: Pukeko, Tui and Kiwi.
“I asked Michael to draft some different designs for us and as a staff we collectively chose the one we have.” While featuring the native New Zealand birds, Mount Taranaki and korus are present. At the southern end, the Māori tohu (emblem) was designed in May last year.
Looney said she worked with children and local design and manufacturing clothing company Game Changer.
“A tohu was created for is that reflects Kairau Marae, the Waitara River and the manaia that runs through the middle of the tohu represents our community looking down over us.”
The tohu will also feature on the school’s hoodie. Montgomery, who has painted around the world, said the students are amazed to see the progress made to the murals every time they come to school. “They always come and have a look; I get some of them to do some painting as well.
It’s nice that they can feel part of the process,” he said. “There is now a bit of competition between them about what bird looks the best.”
Looney said without Methanex’s contribution, both murals would not have been painted.
“The cost for things like murals aren’t included in our budget, so we are truly grateful to Methanex for the financial contribution. “These murals will be part of our school for a long time to come.”
Originally, the murals were due to be finished in time for the school’s 150th jubilee, but that has been postponed until Taranaki Anniversary next year, because of Covid-19
