Kuratau Entranceway Upgrade 2017

The entranceway is a metaphor for the transformation of the children that pass through the school.

On the left side we have the nesting Tūī, to represent the children that first enter the school, they’re being nurtured, educated and looked after all snug in their nest.

Whilst on the right side we have the mighty Kāhu, positioned in an energetic posture about to leap up off into the sunset, ready for lift-off! Representing the strong educated more confident children as they leave the school.

The kōwhaiwhai used is called ‘Mangopare’ (hammerhead shark), to represent strong spirit and determination, these life symbols are painted in white to represent the realm of te Ao, the realm of light, te ao mārama.

The Black colour used coming up from the ground represents the realm of  te Kore, the potential, the void, where-as the transition coming into the red colour like it’s  glowing represents te whai-ao, the glimmer at dawn and reminds us of the separation of Rangi and Papa.

Throughout the day, the Sun (te Rā) passes over the gateway from the Tūī side, up and over, and back down to the side of the Kāhu, another metaphor for the children’s learning each day.