From Forest Floor to Canopy - Rising through Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa

Co-designed by Kisha and Isobel, this mural is a collaborative masterpiece painted by our 2025 Year 5/6 students. It beautifully reflects our place here in Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa (the Waitākere Ranges). By featuring the native birds that represent each of our classrooms, the artwork symbolises the deep connection between our local environment and our growth as learners.

The creative process was a true team effort. Our young artists began by designing the layout and prepping the plywood with an undercoat. Next, they painted the vast green background to represent the forest canopy, followed by the sky. To bring the details to life, they used a projector to trace the outlines of the manu (birds) and rākau (trees) before carefully painting them in. Finally, the mural was sealed with two coats of protective varnish and finished with climbing holds! Mr G and Whaea Sofia oversaw this awesome creative project.