Matahui School creates a sustainable sunflower.
Read the full article on the front page of Katikati Advertiser, Thursday September 16 2021 below.
Bursting into spring is giant sunflower – not quite the plant species – but a creative one made of upcycled plastics and reuseable materials, that will be displaying during Katikati’s Festival of Arts in October.
Matathui School’s giant yellow sunflower is one of 111 large wooden sunflowers that have been distributed to preschools and schools in the area, to be decorated for the Festival of Art, hosted every two years by Katikati Open-Air Art.
Festival organiser Jacqui Knight says is was a real gift to see the sunflower from Matahui School, iwth all the Covid uncertainty about what events can and cannot be run at the upcoming festival.
“I think it is absolutely amazing, I don’t know here people get their ideas from, this one is fantastic!”
“I can not wait to see the others too.”
Designed to reflect the bright community spirit that surrounds Katikati, the Matahui School community has been working as a team – staff, students, parents and community members – on the giant sunflower. The students played an active role planning the project aimed at utilising reusable materials and upcycling plastics.
Principal Mary Woods says the focus on upcycling was thought to be the best use of plastic, as no further resources are required to process or recycle the plastic, it goes directly into another use – the ultimate in reducing consumption.
“It’s incredible the things that can be created out of a plastic bottle, can or glass container if you put your mind to it.”
The students reached out to the community for donations towards the sunflower which was painted before lockdown. They took their investigation of sunflowers a step further by examining them in great detail, up close, to find and develop the aesthetic and design.
During the lockdown “MrsB”, Kathryn Burtenshaw, teachers of the year 7 and 8 class worked on the project while communicating remotely with the students about here parts were glued on. Each piece was strategically placed to add character to the sunflower.
Students and families from Kauri Point village donated an array of plastic items, some from children’s toy boxes, and adults delved into their plastic recycling. Mrs B often found packages of plastic bits in her letterbox during alert level 4, a contactless delivery from community members.
“Every time the students see the flower they try to hunt down and identify where their donated piece is glued.”
“it’s almost like a Where’s Wally activity – one can spend hours looking at all the parts of the flower, so many different items have been collected and used.”
Mary says it has been a huge community project bring people together. “It represents more that just an art project. It shines a brightness on our community as we move forward into spring and summer.
“A time of colour, vibrancy, abundance, fresh food and good health.”
The sunflower will join others, soon to be on display at the Katikati library showcasing the talented work of our local children.
Chris Steel, Katikati Advertiser.
Matahui School is putting on a show called ‘The Point’. I am an Autumn tree. I look sparkly with my leaves -orange and yellow. I say “We have a point!” I love to sing. The show is brilliant! By Charlotte
Our school did a play called ‘The Point”. I am an Autumn tree. I’ve got red and gold leaves on my headband. They glisten. It’s treetastic! I’ve got leaves on my body. They are gold. I say “No, you didn’t think!’ I feel that the play was treetastic! By Cameron
Matahui School is doing a show called ‘The Point’. We are Autumn trees. We have yellow and orange leaves, with sparkles. I say “It’s a time of magic and excitement!” I love the singing and the dancing. By Emma
I am an Autumn tree. I liked how the parents were watching me. I look sparkly with my Autumn leaves. I say “Pointless! Pointless!” I felt happy because it was my first school show. By Anna
The show is fabulous. I love the dance. I say “Pointless! Pointless!” I am an Autumn tree. I have orange, brown, and red leaves all around me. The show is cool. By Phoenix. 
I am an Autumn tree. I look like an Autumn tree, with orange leaves, yellow leaves, red leaves. I say “Oh my boy! You have a lot to learn. Tell me, where are you three from?” The show was cool. By Callaway 
I love how the people were clapping. I am an Autumn tree. I have yellow leaves on my head. My favourite line is “Yep! It’s timing! Ha ha ha!” I felt nervous and happy. By Aroha
Matahui School is putting on a show and we are Autumn trees. I look sparkly like a tree. I have a headband with sparkles on my headband. We also have yellow leaves. I like singing the song. I say “No roots! No roots?” I feel happy and shy. By Kaida
I am an Autumn tree in the play. I have Autumn leaves, yellow, red, orange. I say “You and your dog will work like dogs.” I was happy because my Mum was watching me. By Saxon
We are Autumn trees. I have yellow leaves sparkling around me. I have leaves sparkling in my hair. I say “For the love of a horse, what are you trying to do?” I felt scared and happy and brave. By Payton
I am a beautiful Autumn tree that sparkles. I love being an Autumn tree that sparkles. I say ‘You know, leaves like that do not just grow on trees.” I like how we did the singing. I wear yellow leaves around my body. I looked great and fantastic. I wear red leaves on my head band, sparkling up on my head. I felt excited. By Tyla.
I am an Autumn tree. I liked how the parents were watching us as Autumn trees. I looked fabulous because I have golden leaves – they sparkle and shine. That makes me feel proud of myself. I say “For crying out loud, would you get out of there!” The show was great! By Darcy
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