Students’ artwork exhibited at Avondale Train Station
On 25th March, Whau the People launched the photo series “Weaving the Whau: Pathways that connect!” at Avondale train station. This exhibition captures the vibrant bunting created by over 60 young artists living in the Whau Catchment Area. Exploring their creativity, Tamariki and rangatahi repurposed materials to craft bunting inspired by the Te Whau Pathway Project logo, designed by Tyler Taua-Gordon (Te Kawerau ā Maki).
The logo and artworks reflect the Whau River’s essence, movement, and natural forms, echoing words from Robin Taua-Gordon’s (Te Kawerau ā Maki).
Kei te Ngau te Whau – The wandering Whau
Te Hau o te Whau – The essence of the Whau
Te Au o te Whau – The current of the Whau
Te Rau o te whau – Referring to the leaf of the whau
The journey began with a visit to the West Auckland Resource Centre, where students learnt about sustainability by repurposing materials. Using hot-pressing, embroidery, and mixed-media techniques, and over several workshops, they transformed recycled fabric into unique bunting flags. Ahi Nyx then plaited harakeke to join the bunting, bringing a natural element to the work and reinforcing the connection between art, whenua, and the Whau River.
Te Whau Pathway Project art initiatives aim to nurture a sense of pride, ownership and kaitiakitanga of the Whau River, one of the jewels in West Auckland’s crown.
This is the first of six exhibitions celebrating community, environment, and creativity along Te Wai o te Whau — artists are invited to connect with us for future shows exploring connection, movement, sustainability, and our relationship with place.
Special thanks to all the creatives that guided and created these works!
Deahne Stone, Dominique Crawford, Ahi Nyx, Jody Yawa McMillan and rangatahi from Avondale Intermediate, Avondale Primary School, Edendale Primary School, Elim Christian College, Freyberg Community School, Jireh Christian School, Pasadena Intermediate, Ponsonby Primary School and Swanson School, Tyler and Robin Taua-Gordon.
