Mural Masterpieces - Featherston School

Location:
Lyons Street, Featherston.

Team:
Students.

Accessible to public:
Yes.

Mural theme:
Story of nature's different elements and the Gods of Maori culture.

Background to mural creation:
The painting is a story of nature's different elements and the Gods of Maori culture, including the Maori Gods - Tawhirirmatea, Tane Mahuta, Papatuanuku, Ranginui and Tangaroa. The mural is a mix of abstract and landscape paintwork. There are features in the mural that relate to the local area, such as Lake Wairarapa. Part of the landscape also involves the views of the South Island, which is visible from Ngawi. In the open sea above Lake Wairarapa is Kupe's waka (sail) coming towards Ngawi. There is a wave with a whale behind it which is a symbol of the Maori god of the sea - Tangaroa. On the whale is Paikea (the whale rider). The large tree is Tane Mahuta - god of the forest and birds accompanied by native birds painted in the forest.