Treaty research engages students

The Treaty of Waitangi holds special significance for the Room 6 students at Mahinawa Specialist School.

The class learned about the treaty and its role in shaping our country’s history this year, doing research and projects.

Their study ended last week when nine students’ paintings were unveiled.

‘‘It has been a fantastic journey,’’ Room 6 teacher Maxine Montgomery said. ‘‘ Their study has laid the groundwork for them to want to look further into the subject.’’

The paintings are in a time line fashion, starting at pre-European life for Maori through to their struggle for identity in a modern world.

Student Kieran Bray said he had learnt to be more patient doing the draft drawings and Ben Ogilvie said he had become a perfectionist as a result.

The paintings will take pride of place in the school’s main hallway.