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Our Entry Mural - "Te Ao Mārama"

Hone Waudby —

The next time you pop in to school, you may notice the new mural we have installed in the entry foyer. This mural was designed by Te Aukaha Haupai Rāwiri Puke (Grandson of Hare Puke – kaumātua of Ngāti Wairere).

Below is the rich narrative behind this artwork.

Our schools name originates from within the realms of Te Ao Māori (Māori world view).
From the void came the darkness, from its depths became the emergence of light – Te Ao Mārama.
This creation story has been passed down through expansive generations, since the dawn of time. A time when darkness became light, the separation of the Sky Father from the Earth Mother and the guardians who shaped the natural world.
This evolution is depicted within the design. To the left is Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother. To the right is Ranginui, the Sky Father. In the old world they held each other in a tight embrace.
Their children were restricted, and darkness was their life. The children grew tired and frustrated of their world.
Great discussions were had, the majority wanting to live beyond this embrace.
Tāwhirimātea (guardian of the winds) wanted to keep his parents together while Tūmatauenga (guardian of war) wanted them separated indefinitely.
Rongomātāne (guardian of peace) called for calm, however this would not last.
In the depths of this darkness each brother tried to force their parents apart. One by one they tried and failed, until Tāne-mahuta (guardian of the forests and birds) lay on his back and forced them apart with his powerful legs. The world of light was thus created.
It is through this space that our students and families enter our school to embark on their journey of discovery.
From the four corners of the world under the palisades of Ngāti Wairere, we are brought together by the winds of Tāwhirimātea to start this journey together - behold the breath of life.
Our art piece was inspired by this creation story and designed by Te Aukaha Haupai Rāwiri Puke (grandson of Hare Puke – kaumātua of Ngāti Wairere).

Retold and interpreted by Matua Hone Waudby.