Greerton Village School

The Te Maara mural celebrates the values of the kura, the whenua, and the many cultures within the school community, while reflecting the rich natural environment of the area. Inspired by the history of the land as a place of nourishment and abundance, the mural honours the tradition of food cultivation that once sustained both local whānau and the wider community.

Throughout the artwork, imagery of native plants, birds, insects, and gathered kai tells this story of connection to the land. Kete baskets overflow with kūmara, potatoes, lettuce, and onions, symbolising growth, care, and abundance, while vibrant tomato plants rise from the earth alongside native pōhutukawa, blending cultivated and natural landscapes together.

A tūī appears within the mural as a kaitiaki — a guardian and protector of the kura and surrounding environment. Watching over the land, sky, and people, the tūī represents protection, guidance, and the deep relationship between the community and the natural world.

The mural’s colour palette is inspired by the kura Whare Groups:

Ngā Whetū is represented through yellow stars scattered across the sky.

Ranginui is expressed in the calming blue tones of the sky above.

Papatūānuku is reflected in the grounding greens, earth tones, and plant life woven throughout the mural.

Ika Roa flows through the design as a river featuring kōwhaiwhai-inspired patterns, connecting the sky, whenua, and stars together.

Together, these elements create a mural that tells a story of identity, belonging, and connection — celebrating the relationship between people, culture, nature, and place, while reflecting the spirit and values of the kura community.