I nga wa o mua
The past is before you
This painting represents Taupo nui-a-Tia College.
It is a painting of our Maunga - Tauhara - at sunrise with our moana/roto – Lake Taupo in the for ground. Tia the explorer / our chief stands over the top keeping guard. It also contains the symbols from our school emblem, the lake, the trout and the Taiaha as well as three poupou, which carry our values- whakapono, wero and manaakitana. All of the symbols and the carvings have been taken from our school and our wharenui.
Meaning/ representation
The Sunrise each day can be a new start and a new beginning and builds on from the learning of the day. This builds on a quote from a dear friend of mine , Papuni Turetahi.
I nga wa o mua
The past is before you.
One walks towards the past guided by one’s ancestors, while behind exists the future.
This quote also brings in the reason for having Tia so distinguished looking over us all and moving forward to our future pathways.
The kowhaiwhai pattern is painted in white representing promise for the future and awakening. It is Mangopare- from the hammerhead shark which represents strength courage and power.
The Taiaha is a symbol of valour, strength and protection representing not just a Māori weapon but also a cultural treasure. Our students are certainly this. A symbol of transition, signifying the passage into adulthood. A Taiaha serves as a powerful reminder of the journey into adulthood, connecting the recipient with the cultural roots.
The Trout. Yes, it’s on our crest and has always been seen to represent the Taupo area. Spiritually the trout also symbolises encouragement to trust instincts and adapt to
changing circumstances. The swift movement in the water signify agility and grace and symbolise the importance of navigating through life’s challenge. These meanings are more fitting for a school and our students and would be the reason for being on the school crest – they are the reason the trout is part of the painting. I have also painted the brown trout, and not the rainbow, as they are more territorial hence more loyal.
The Poupou standing tall in the water are taken from the carvings on the front of the Wharenui. They represent our ancestors but also, a connection with the past and moving forward. On these are written our school values- whakapono, wero and manaakitanga .
The Maihi from the Wharenui is also there. It sits below Tia. These are the arms that welcome and protect, keeping our students safe.
The use of the Wharenui also brings in the four walls of Hauora – caring and wellbeing for all who are here and have a feeling of belonging.
This painting depicts our school, our aroha for our students and our care for their future by understanding their strengths and weaknesses as well as their past.
Lesley Purdon 2024