Karaka presents a series of artistic expressions by students from Green Bay School, inspired by the pepeha recently gifted to the school by Te Kawerau-ā-Maki through their Mana Kura programme. In this three-year collaborative programme schools work with Te Kawerau-ā-Maki to build a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural connections to the whenua.

The works in the exhibition respond to Green Bay School’s pepeha:

Ko Titirangi te maunga
Ko Parahiku te awa
Ko Manukau te moana
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Te Kawerau-ā-Maki te iwi
Ko Green Bay School te kura

Each year group was assigned one of four different elements from the newly gifted pepeha as the inspiration for their art making. Years 1–3 responded to Te Wao-Nui-ā-Tiriwa, where the maunga Titirangi sits. Creating thick abstract interpretations of the surrounding ngahere. Years 4–6 explored the moana and awa, layering fluid, watery paintings with intricate illustrations. Years 7–8 focused on the tupuna of Te Kawerau-ā-Maki, painting close-up depictions of the carved pou at Arataki Visitor Centre.

The paintings in this exhibition were created during a series of two-hour workshops, with each class having only one hour to produce an exhibition-ready piece. The process emphasised creative freedom and explorative making, students were supported through this process by the Te Uru education team. Materials used include pastel, ink, watercolour, as well as handmade paint using whenua collected from the grounds of Green Bay School.

Karaka explores our connection to Hikurangi West Auckland, focusing on the life and vitality of our ngahere, awa, moana and acknowledgement of Te Kawerau-ā-Maki as mana whenua. Each class has created painted compositions that blend abstraction
with illustrative storytelling using a range of painting mediums. Collectively, the artworks weave place-based stories with the freedom of creative exploration. The final installation creates an immersive environment full of life and vibrancy, and an environment shaped by every student.

Curated by Abbey Lyman and Adrienne Millwood