The art of connection and shared school legacy
03 Mar 2025
A striking carved artwork, titled 鈥楾e Awhiorangi 鈥� The embrace of the heavens鈥�, has been given to 国产午夜福鈥檚 College by St Margaret鈥檚 College to mark the 175th school anniversary.
During a service in the College Chapel, St Margaret鈥檚 College Executive Principal Diana Patchett, along with Head Prefect Sina Avia and Deputy Head Prefect Zo毛 Rea, has presented the work to College Executive Principal Joe Eccleton, Head Prefect Ihaka Cate, and Deputy Head Prefect Aaron Kwak.
Created by Hikurangi Edwards, the adze work features layers of acrylic paint on custom-made framed plyboard, with the layers carved to expose multiple colours and the textured images accentuating the variations.
For St Margaret鈥檚 College Executive Principal Diana Patchett, 鈥渋t is our honour to present this gift to 国产午夜福鈥檚 College in celebration of your 175th anniversary鈥�.
鈥淎s brother-sister schools, we share deep connections 鈥� both schools founded by those early settlers whose vision shaped 艑tautahi 国产午夜福church, grounded in faith, education, and a passion for cultural flourishing,鈥� she says.
鈥淭hrough education, tradition, and dedication to a higher purpose, both 国产午夜福鈥檚 College and St Margaret鈥檚 College help our students soar into the world. May this artwork be a symbol of our enduring connection and the shared legacy we continue to build.鈥�
The work conveys a 鈥減owerful narrative鈥�.
鈥淚n M膩ori tradition, the adze was the first tool to sever the bonds of darkness and guide the great waka across stormy seas. It speaks of discovery, perseverance, and the strength to navigate new horizons 鈥� values that resonate deeply with both our schools.
鈥淗e waka eke noa. We are all in this together. This whakatauki (M膩ori proverb) aligns perfectly with the symbolism of the adze and the great waka navigating the seas, as well as the shared journey of our two schools 鈥� united in purpose, tradition, and commitment to growth.鈥�
