Matahui School students have again contributed to the annual T奴manako Project, creating artworks that share their hopes for a peaceful world. Through creativity, tamariki and rangatahi express their vision for a brighter future.
Launched in Wellington in 2015 to commemorate the 1945 nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the event has since grown and is now held at multiple locations across New Zealand. This year鈥檚 theme is based on the Whakatauk墨 (M膩ori proverb): 聽Kotahi te k膩kano whakaaro, he nui ng膩 hua o te r膩kau houhou rongo - One seed of thought grows the forest of peace.
Mary Woods, Matahui School鈥檚 Principal, said that participation is more than creative expression for the students and that the project's values reflect the school's approach to education.
鈥淲e believe education is about more than academic achievement. It is about nurturing young people who are kind, caring, respectful, and empathetic, and who understand the impact their actions can have on others.鈥
This year marked the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and their effects continue to be felt by survivors, their families, and their communities.
鈥淎s we witness conflict and war across the world, these anniversaries remind us that peace can never be taken for granted,鈥 Woods said. 聽
The project encourages students to look beyond their own experiences, consider how their actions affect others, and better understand people with different experiences and perspectives.
Woods said the school is proud to take part in T奴manako each year and see how students interpret its themes through their artwork.
鈥淭heir participation reflects not only their creativity but also their growing understanding that every individual can make a positive difference.鈥
鈥淏y remembering the past, we inspire our children to build a future in which peace, respect, and compassion are at the centre of our communities,鈥 Woods said.
This year's student artwork was exhibited at The Arts Junction in Katikati, alongside work by other young artists. The exhibition also featured images by internationally acclaimed photographer Jeff Brown of the Matahui School Guardians of the Forest School programme. The photographs are available for purchase through the school or on Trade Me.
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