A striking new mural has been unveiled at Puni School.
Pukekohe artist Kirsty McMahon said she approached deputy principal Lesley Moloney about
whether the school wanted some artwork.
“She was quick to say she had always dreamed of a mural with ‘ABCs’ in the junior (Te Awa) area. We discussed a Kiwiana theme, and she and the teaching staff brainstormed words that had meaning to the school (and wider community) for each letter of the alphabet.”
The planning side of the mural was completed late last year, and with McMahon beginning painting it in January. She painted in two-to-three-hour sessions during the weekends for about eight weeks.
“This is only my second mural and definitely my largest work to date. I usually work at a much smaller and detailed scale. I was lucky enough to paint a Chorus box on the corner of Victoria Street West and Helvetia Road a little while back.”
Moloney said school staff, pupils, and parents were thrilled to see an idea from many years ago come to life.
“We have always wanted a unique mural that focuses on Kiwiana as this is something our junior (Te Awa) studies in depth. We can’t wait until Term Four when we will really focus on the mural as our topic study.”
“It is very much admired by the students. They enjoy looking at the content and finding extra things to relate to and talk about.”
