Pupils work together on new mural

Maia Pihema, 10, had white paint and plenty of fish to work on.

The children at Umawera School aren’t the first to brighten their environment with a mural or two, but a great deal of work had been done before they picked up their brushes and paint pots.

From the start, as they looked at ways to beautify and improve the school grounds, they were determined to ensure they had the community’s support. They achieved that by asking around the community, then began planning the project based on the feedback they received.

There was a brush — and a colour — for everyone at Umawera School.

It was decided that two large murals would be created. One, facing (and clearly seen from) State Highway 1, depicts an underwater landscape complete with all manner of sea creatures, while the second, on the other side of the grounds, facing the garden, is of God of

the Gardens, the son of Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatu¯a¯nuku (Mother Earth).

With a roll of just 35 it was matter of all hands to the brushes on Thursday. Even the 4 and 5-year-olds had a part to play, painting the rocks that adorn the garden landscape. Each painter was issued with a pot of a particular colour, the overall design slowly taking shape as they went to work.

The staff were into it too, along with representatives from Bunnings, who donated some of the materials and were happy to offer their expertise.

PICTURE / OKAIHAU COLLEGE Okaihau College Year 12 students Logan Salmons (pictured) and Karena Harris have both completed the NorthTec Construction Trades Academy Course, having travelled to the Future Trades Campus one day a week during the first two terms this year, and twice a week this term. Both achieved 39 Level 2 Construction credits, which can be credited towards their NCEA Level 2 qualification. Logan gained four extra credits courtesy of a first aid certificate.