This opportunity came about through Mrs Thomas knowing the right people. We'd like to thank Matua Joe MacFarlane and co-ordinator JK who set aside time to share the stories of Tauranga Moana represented through art on campus with our students. We are the first primary school to visit Te Manawaroa (the place which embodies resilience and the gift of relationships).

There are many important links between the campus and our school. The carvings and art installations have been created by artist/carver Whare Thompson - the man who carved our Manaakitanga award "Tuakana-Teina". The panels behind the figure of Tane Mahuta start everyday in red and they change according to the events of the day. Because we were visiting the panels changed colour to turquoise/teal to recognise our presence.

Outside the university building a pou stands and tells the story of chief Apanui and Tirikawa, North Rock. The story is our story and can be seen in our school crest.

The design of our unique St.Thomas More crest is the work and inspiration of James Tapiata whose carving can be seen inside Te Manawaroa.

Another connection is Mr G who painted the mural of unity and partnership. Mr G's father is a parishioner of St.Thomas More and Mr G is very strongly Christian.

This mural is called Kotahitanga and is a painting of Mr G and his wife, remembering their wedding at Waitangi.

I was very proud of our senior students who represented our school so well through their knowledge and understanding of Ngai Te Rangitanga which our teachers share in our curriculum "Our people, our place". A special mention goes to Sebastian for his sharing of knowledge (matauranga) and Alexander for his poroporoaki.

We hope that the experience of today will plant seeds in our students which may lead them on to university in the future.