Three senior students are using their design skills to modernise Aquinas’ conventional chapel altar and lectern to better reflect today’s college.

The Level 2 Product Development project of Year 12 students Jacob Graham, Holly Van den Borst and Eric Shin will replace the standardised furniture with bespoke pieces that speak to Aquinas’ story, culture and location. 

The initiative is an Aquinas Issues project. Since 2013, Product Development students have given back to the school by undertaking projects designed to resolve an Aquinas issue or problem. Over the years, this has produced impressive college resources (a purpose-built hangi storage shed, multi-purpose bike trailer, updated science greenhouse) and created a legacy for students.  

It is expected to take the students most of the year to research, design, craft and produce a new altar and lectern under the guidance of Technology LOL Pete Nicholson. Work is currently at the research and design stage.

The trio hope to use a master carver to incorporate the Māori carvings of Te Taumata, and are experimenting using resin to symbolise key local features such as Mount Maunganui and Tauranga Harbour. Holly is creating the lectern and Eric and Jacob the altar, although all three will collaborate closely to achieve a cohesive design between the pieces.

Aquinas’ current altar and lectern are of a standard design. The altar is narrow and was intended only as a temporary solution but is still being used 20 years later. Aquinas leadership suggested customised replacements are needed.

The students recently visited St Joseph’s Church in Te Puna to gain inspiration from its altar and carvings. All three have studied Hard Technology since Year 10.