At our winter Whau Holiday Art Programme, 9-13 year olds embarked on an immersive journey to explore the histories and ecologies of Te Wai o Whau (Whau River). They also developed new creative skills and met new friends.
Guided by their curiousity, students wandered along the river’s edge collecting objects. They observed the dance of the tides and returned brimming with inspiration to craft individual artworks.
Whau Zine
The children’s creations merged to form the Whau Zine, a testament to their imaginative talents and connection with our natural world.
Kids getting arty
Abigail Ho, Athena Young, Ashlyn, Ava Wood, Ayla Hamilton Low, Cassandra (Cassie) Ho, Derick Conker, Devan Wijayaratne, Gertie pound, Isabelle campos cardoso, Jericho Hunt, Jessica Luxton, Korowai Lyon-Elzen, Lealali Parr, Mikaela Azel, Mikayla-Mae, Myla Afu , Nora, Ruby Boyce, Sahaana Rajaniganth, Tash, Taylor Mackie and Trinity Soul!
Adults being creative
Meet our artists who led the programme!
Annah McMillan
“Kia ora! Ko Annah ahau. I am an early childhood teacher, sailor and a fan of all things arty. I loved working with the kids and creating something really cool.”
Deahne Stone
“I’m Deahne. People call me D. I’m from Avondale but I’m lucky to be able to work with tamariki making art and creating change in schools around the West. I LOVE creativity, art and making things and I was super excited for us to get creating together.”
Janet Lilo and Jody Yawa McMillan
Whau the People coordinated the programme, supporting the artists and students as needed.
Karakia
Lori, with tautoko from Atarangi Anderson, crafted a karakia for our week together.
Karakia mo tēnei Whau Wānanga
Tukuna ki a Tangaroa i to matou mahi ki te taha o te awa Whau.
He orokohanganga te mauri o Papatūānuku raua ko Ranginui.
Tono ki te whenua, ki te hau kia ngaro mai te rangi i runga i a tātou.
Whakawhitiwhiti, whakarauika!
Tīhei mauri ora!
We acknowledge Tangaroa as we work alongside the Whau estuary.
We acknowledge Papatūānuku and Ranginui, the gods of creation.
We share the knowledge below our feet and in the heavens above.
Embrace! Share!
Photos we took along our journey
About this event
| Date | 10th to 14th July, 2023 |
| Location | Te Atatu Boating Club, Te Atatū South |
| Type of event | School holiday programme (Arts) |
| Schools | Arahoe Primary School, Avondale Intermediate School, Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School, Browns Bay School, Dairy Flat Primary School, Flanshaw Primary, Freyberg Community School, Henderson Primary School, Hobsonville School, Kaurilands School, Lincoln Heights School, Marina View School, New Lynn School, Owairaka Primary School, Pasadena Intermediate School, Rangeview Intermediate School, SDA Adventist School, St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School, Summerland Primary School and Westmere Primary School – Ngā Uri o Ngā Iwi. |
