There's a new student at Greytown School, and he'll be keeping an eye on the others - a new pou was unveiled at the school yesterday.
The Maori carving, named Tane nui a rangi, is set in stones from the Waiohine River and holds three kete of knowledge, representing help, ritual and evil, and a tuna or eel which represents the link that Papawai Stream makes between Greytown School and Papawai Marae.
It was carved by Johnny Miller and Kerehopa Wharehinga, staff at Rimutaka Prison, after Greytown School teacher and former prison superintendent Doreen McKenzie connected the school with the carving team.
A pou usually faces outward, but it is a Papawai Marae tradition to face them inward as the school has done.
Greytown School principal Kevin Mackay told students Tane nui a rangi would be there to look after students and encourage them in their learning. "He's looking across at our motto - kids being S.H.A.R.P."
