A few of the Year 9-10 Whangaroa College students who worked on the murals. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF
A few of the Year 9-10 Whangaroa College students who worked on the murals. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF
A eye-catching mural project by students of Whangaroa College aims to instil pride in Kaeo and teach a new generation about the area's vivid history and legends.
The mural, which is 2.4m high and just under 15m long, was mounted on the side of Kaeo's Four Square and blessed on Saturday.
Volunteer Alistair Kay, student Abby Pountney, 15, and art teacher Yazma Smith with the panels depicting Rauru-iti whose long wait (whainga-roa) for her lover gave Whangaroa its name.
It features the tragic tale of the princess Rauru-iti - whose long wait ('whainga-roa') for her lover gave Whangaroa its name - as well as Whangaroa's creation story, natural beauty and links to Ngapuhi's ancestral canoe.
About two dozen Year 9-10 students worked on the project with art teacher Yazma Smith and volunteer Alistair Kay.
Mr Kay said Kaeo received a grant from the Far North District Council's Focus Project Fund, inspired by Focus Paihia's success in transforming their town, to create something celebrating the uniqueness of Whangaroa.
About the same time local kaumatua put Whangaroa's key stories into writing for the first time as part of their evidence for a Waitangi Tribunal hearing at Otangaroa Marae.
Mr Kay realised those stories, many of which were in danger of being forgotten, would make an ideal Focus Project.
One reason for getting students involved was to reduce the chances of the mural being damaged.
"And it they learn these stories they'll gain an understanding of their local cultural traditions, and hopefully some pride," he said.
Several panels are dedicated to Rauru-iti who was waiting for her lover, Kaimohi, to return from battle. When she saw his face looking towards Cape Reinga as she was paddling past Whangaroa Harbour's Waihi Bay, she knew he was dead and threw herself from a clifftop in despair.
Art teacher Yazma Smith with panels depicting the mountains Maungataniwha and Taratara doing battle in the Whangaroa creation story. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF
Other panels tell of the battle between the mountains Maungataniwha and Taratara, which created many Whangaroa landmarks, and the anchor stone of Ngapuhi's ancestral canoe, Mataatua, which is said to lie at the bottom of Waihi Bay.
Three panels depict a romanticised Waihi Bay, "possibly the most beautiful place in the world".
Student Abby Pountney, 15, helped paint the mural and documented the project from start to finish.
"I learnt a lot about the Maori stories of Whangaroa," she said.
"I'm very proud of the work we've done and everyone's going to see it."
Students Nakita Batters (14, Pupuke) and Kate Lewis (14, Waitaruke) show off the panels depicting Whangaroa Harbour's stingray guardian. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF
Mr Kay said some students were reluctant artists at first but quickly grew in confidence.
"It's about transferring knowledge to the next generation and empowering then with their own cultural identity, so they value who they are and where they come from," he said.
