Te Puke High School

The Te Puke High School mural is a project that’s so close to my heart. It feels like a full-circle moment! My mum was an art teacher here for 18 years, I attended this school and my son Levi is now in Year 10. Being asked to paint this mural was an incredible experience, from the consultation to the design and execution. Here’s what it’s about…

During conversations with students and teachers, it was clear that culture and diversity are celebrated and at the core of the school. I wanted to reflect this by unifying the many cultures that make up Te Puke High School. Each flower in the mural represents the national flower of these countries…

Kōwhai: Aotearoa, NZ, Cherry Blossom: Japan, Cornflower: Germany, Golden Wattle: Australia, Tahitian Gardenia: Polynesian Islands, Lotus: India.

The kowhaiwhai pattern symbolises strength, love, and resilience. The colour palette—green, yellow, purple, pink, and blue—reflects the school’s house colours.

And, of course, the three native birds—Kereru (Wood Pigeon), Piwakawaka (Fantail), and Pukeko, with the Pukeko being a request from the team in the Student Learning Centre!