Manawaru School

This mural was created for Manawaru School and is a celebration of community, connection, and learning. Painting it was a powerful reminder of the kindness and generosity of the people who surround this school, during challenging weather, community members showed up early in the morning to help, turning the process into a shared act of care.

At the heart of the design is harakeke, native to the area and deeply symbolic of whānau, growth, and strength, values that sit at the core of the school. Four native birds, the Ruru (Morepork), Kererū (Wood Pigeon), Tūī, and Kiwi, represent the school houses, giving students meaningful imagery they can recognise and identify with every day.

Created with longevity in mind, this mural is intended to spark joy, curiosity, and a sense of belonging, not just now, but for years to come. It reflects my love of painting for schools and the lasting impact public art can have within learning spaces.