It is finished!

Last Friday afternoon, our kura hosted a special unveiling ceremony to celebrate our completed artwork and the journey we had in it’s creation. In attendance we had Liz Hill-Taiaroa & Tamra Nutira from Ngāi Tahu, MP for Selwyn, Nicola Grigg, Dulux sponsors, our artist, Justine and our amazing Taumata Kuri Prebbleton whānau and ākonga.

We, Te Kura o Taumata Kuri, are incredibly proud of the completed artwork that now hangs on the end of Awa class block, a central focal point of our kura. 

We have shared the final artwork with our local rūnanga Taumutu, and manawhenua, as well as their Education Facilitator for Ngāi Tahu. Both Taumutu and Ngāi Tahu are publishing a write-up of our mural project in their upcoming newsletter/magazines.

We would like to say a huge thanks and acknowledge the tireless mahi of our artist, Justine Ottey, who has been enthusiastically committed to our mural journey, right from the get-go. We also want to thank Dulux and Bunnings for their donations of materials to enable this project to be feasible. 

Ākonga, whānau and kaiako have all had genuine opportunities to work on the project, creating an authentic depiction of our cultural narrative. Connections have been made between young and old and the project has enabled our school community to see creativity in action, not just through the painting process, but through learning about our history and an important mahinga kai site too. Creativity and collaboration have been at the forefront of this community project and now we look forward to enjoying, revisiting, and engaging in meaningful and authentic conversations about this amazing artwork for many years to come.