Mural Masterpieces - Manurewa South School

Location:
Manurewa South School.

Team:
Dion Johnstone, Leshelle Wolfgramm, Daniel Mataio, Angela Aboud, Shannon Oti, Israel Waetford and Korrin Salisbury (teacher).

Accessible to public:
Yes.

Mural theme:
Legend of Manurewa.

Background to mural creation:
Manurewa South School have designed and painting an outstanding mural on the end of a classroom block in their school grounds.

Children from years 3-5 were given the opportunity to take part in creating a mural that portrayed the unique character pertaining to the local area of the decile 1 school in Manurewa. Many of the students have gifted artistic ability.

A team of six students accompanied by one teacher decided the theme should reflect and inform the community and the children at the school about the legend of Manurewa, so that the story is passed on through generations. The kite represents the legend of Tanapahore and Tanapahure, where two brothers had a kite competition. One of the brothers cited an evil karakia to make the other boy’s kit fly in the wrong direction. The trees on the right side of the mural represent the names of the streets around the school, for example, Tawa Crescent, Totara Ave and Piriri Road. The word Manurewa means soaring bird in Maori, which is why the students decided to include different native birds on the right hand side of the mural.

The black and red Maori design was painted and drawn by an eight year old boy with amazing talents. He was able to draw the design on a piece of paper and transfer it onto the mural. The story on the right side of the mural was written by a year five student. He captured the legend and rewrote it in his own words.

The students worked together co-operatively to create this mural that reflects their school’s culture and environment. All associated with Manurewa South School are very proud and pleased with the completed mural and the identity is has given the school with the local community.