Funds raised through the annual Top School event have been used to transform Awakeri School with an array of artistic designs.

Principal Craig McDonald said these artistic endeavours include intricate concrete designs, a vibrant representation of the Whakatāne River, and beautiful in-ground mosaics created by award-winning Eastern Bay artist and former staffer Lea-Anne Sheather.

The six mosaics each measure a metre in diameter and feature wildlife and landmarks, such as birds, Mt Putauaki and Moutohorā (Whale) Island.

The mosaics were installed in a newly created outdoor space, situated between two classroom blocks, which the school has named “Te Awa” – a space that celebrates the region’s prominent landmarks.

“Heading towards the field, you first encounter the great maunga, Pūtauaki, and then follow the Whakatāne River as it winds its way through the bird-filled forest before reaching the ocean and Moutohorā Island,” Mr McDonald said.

In addition to the mosaics, the principal highlighted the contribution of Top School sponsors and members of the Awakeri whānau, All Aspects Concreting Experts, who completed the remarkable concrete designs last summer. The intricate shell designs were created by local artist Taumata Thompson.

The works were unveiled last week in a special ceremony, led by the school’s Kaiārahi i Te Reo Māori, Koro Bill Kora, who blessed the mosaics.

“All this was made possible due to our fundraising at Top School, so thank you to all of our supporters and sponsors for making this possible.”