Inspiration from Te Ao Māori
By learning about two important figures in Māori mythology that were then sketched:
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Tiki, who represents the first man
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Manaia, a kaitiaki (guardian) who is often represented as a mix of bird, man, and fishtail
To help with proportions while sketching, Rheon and Eliya folded their paper into thirds, a great strategy for balanced design.
We folded the paper into three pieces so we knew where to put the shapes.
I drew my design four times to get it right. It did make it easier to have the three squares for the right size.
Designing with Intention
After refining initial pencil sketches, designs were outlined using chalk. Theo then shared his knowledge of warm and cool colours, which helped Jack and Winter decide how they wanted their artwork to look. Flo chose a cool coloured tiki with a warm background while Taya chose the opposite combination with her design. Hugo made thoughtful choices to express mood and meaning through colour.
It wasn’t a hard challenge. The colouring was easy to understand.
The Magic of Chalk and Dye
Black dye was applied over the whole design. The dye soaked into the chalk but slid off the waxy crayon, creating bold outlines around each design.
Linaya’s careful colouring paid off with an outstanding result. Liam, Flo, Libby and Abbie were proud to show off their final results.
The Science Behind the Art
This project wasn’t just about being creative - it also enabled understanding of some simple science:
Crayons are made of wax, which is oily and waterproof. This means water (and dye) won’t soak into crayoned areas. The dye is water-based. When mixed with chalk and brushed over the drawing, it only sticks to the paper and chalk, not the crayon.
This resistance effect creates striking lines that highlight the crayon drawings and make them stand out beautifully.
Nau mai, haere mai. Tēnā koutou katoa, ko Amy tōku ingoa. I feel very fortunate to be working as a Classroom Release Teacher (CRT) here at Wairakei Primary School.
What makes a great learning environment? It’s one where ākonga feel safe to explore, take risks, and grow alongside their peers. In classrooms, this happens within a culture of reciprocity and respect, high quality teaching and helping students take ownership of their learning.
A big part of the CRT role is ensuring learning continues seamlessly across the school. Alongside my colleagues, we work to make sure every student has the tools and support they need to flourish. The concept of ‘ako’ sits at the heart of this, learning is a shared journey, where teachers learn from students, and teaching practice is shaped through research, reflection, and intention.
From my own school days in Reporoa to six years teaching in Manurewa, South Auckland, I’ve seen just how important community and connection are in shaping a child’s learning journey. This is something Wairakei Primary School lives and breathes every day, through the warmth of its staff, students, whānau, and wider community.
I’m passionate about being a lifelong learner, with a current focus on te reo Māori, cooking, and psychology. After living in places like Melbourne, Tokyo, and Ho Chi Minh City, it has been incredibly special to return home and appreciate everything Taupō-nui-a-Tia has to offer.
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that students should build both confidence and resilience, so they are equipped to succeed and reach their fullest potential.
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