We were thrilled to unveil a very special sculpture on the opening night of the Art Exhibition last week.

He Rama Mo Tātou - We Kindle The Light, was kindly donated to the school by the Fulton family to mark the special anniversary of 110 years of SMC.

After being welcomed onto the school grounds at dawn the day before and being blessed by the Maori Bishop of Te Waipounamu, the Right Reverand Peter Wallace, this magnificent work by renowned Ngai Tahu carver Riki Manuel was revealed. Below is his description of the meaning behind the sculpture:

"The idea for this candle came from the image on the cover of 'A History of St Margaret's College'. I was inspired by the ceremony which takes please each year to acknowledge the founders, and by these words, 'We kindle the light'.

"Te Taupokipoki - The triangles are from the tāniko weaving, used to decorate the edges of a cloak and can represent star constellations or kāhui whetū. This pattern is an acknowledgement to the students.

"Pūhoro, Pitai - The scrolls are symbols I use to acknowledge the generations, from the founders to the future students

"Ara Mātauranga - The notches are footsteps on the path of knowledge. This design promotes and encourages students to excel in education."