The koru is the Māori name given to the new unfurling fern frond and symbolizes new life, growth, strength and peace. It is an integral symbol in Māori carving and tattoos.

H21 designed and created pieces of cultural art taught by Mrs Osborne. The lesson was for H21 to become familiar with koru designs. They drew shapes and patterns, including blending colours together using pastels, chalk and black dye.
Once the artwork was completed, each student wrote a statement about their work and what it meant to them.

My Pastel Art
As I make my koru I start to blend with the pastel. The chalk was so smudgy. The green koru represents the trees and the land. Blue is the water and sea. And the red koru is fire! 

By Josh M.

My Family Koru
Swirling outward patterns going everywhere to see.
Sharp lines coming out, looking at me.
All of my cultures, patterns within my family.
By Delphi F.

My Koru Art
Traditions surrounding the koru. Patterns scattered all over the art. Wavy lines here and there, pictures everywhere. The koru stands tall like a never ending wave. By Riley B.

Koru Art
We made art, a koru. Around my big koru I made little korus. The little korus around it, are my whole entire family. The green koru is my family that lives with me. By Ava M.

My Koru Picture
Chalk and pastels, my koru picture was drawn carefully. With waves, spots, shapes and lines. Representing some of nature's colours. Each part tells you what I like. The part of green is that I like to play outside and the blue is that I like fishing. By Freddy F.

Koru Art
A circle of winter represents water and land united. Patterns shape by shape. Specific detail and colour made step by step. Rising art popping up. By Alex C.