From curiosity to confidence

Seven Avondale College tauira have spent the last few weeks immersed in a Toi Māori drawing and design course at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Henderson. Across two assessments, they've accrued eight NCEA credits, but their tutor, Whaea Maia Keane, says the real impact is the cultural knowledge and confidence they’ve gained.

"Most of the students arrived with little experience drawing these patterns," she says, "but they’re leaving with strong foundations and a sense of pride. I think Avondale made a great decision sending them here!" She believes the knowledge will shape their futures, from understanding marae traditions to one day receiving their very own moko.

TK Eru‑Philips (Year 11) has enjoyed the hands‑on learning, and thinks the skills he's learnt will translate well into whakairo (carving) in the future. He’s particularly drawn to the pūhoro design, which mirrors the flow of water beside a waka, and hopes to gift a carving to his parents one day.

Ryder Ah‑Wong, also Year 11, signed up to the course to deepen his connection to his whakapapa. He's proud of the collaborative canvas his group has created using a blue base and central wheku design and tuktuku panel, and hopes it will one day adorn the walls of the College whare.

"I see that they're passionate and capable, so I give them that validation that they can do it,” says Whaia Maia. “This could be the beginning of a legacy.”