This mural was designed based on the schools “Pepeha” which connects and acknowledges its identity and ancestry. Each image is deliberate and has a meaning.
The waka on the blue image is the famous “Tokomaru” which is connected to the Te Atiawa Iwi. The prow is replicated to represent the actual waka. In distance on the horizon, features the Owae Marae which is part of the Manukorihi “Pa” site.
The carved “Manaia” represents a guardian, watching over the waka and local marae. It has “paua shell’ representing the nearby ocean. The pattern is called “kaokao” which represents bravery and strength (in a sense of a haka stance”
The red sunset image shows the incredible views we get in the evenings with ultra bright colours with Mount Taranaki silhouetted and standing proud as a feature of the landscape. It also has the kaokao pattern continuing to tie the two murals together.
The waka represents one that continued up the river and rested/was hidden up one of the creeks behind Brookes Terrace. The three Te Atiawa Iwi feathers” or “Raukura” above the mountain represent peace and peaceful resistance.
