A mauri or life force stone named Te Whatu Tauira - in English “The Gleaming Stone” - was installed last week at Flaxmere College to celebrate the completion of the redevelopment of the new kura.
Gleaming is both a reference to the whiteness of the Ōamaru limestone from the South Island used for the carving, and the gleaming spirit of the college.
Strands woven together are carved into the Te Whatu Tauira stone to symbolise the attainment of knowledge and enlightenment gained in the kura.
Kaumātua Jerry Hapuku blessed the 2.7 tonne stone, which has been placed to the right of the new kura extension.
![Kaumātua Jerry Hapuku with long-serving staff member Kevin Gill with the mauri or life force stone named Te Whatu Tauira, at Flaxmere College. Photo / Warren Buckland](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/TWNDK24Y4VCRFLN64VMUDOTOJY.jpg?auth=c8507dffbdbd20b50b21727888a6205674c8d1c06e16b120b0b9ee9015cf0617&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)