The artistic flair, hard work and creative efforts of four local Aquinas College art students have paid off on a national scale.

Artwork by Year 11s Nina Costello, Paige Eastergaard, Isla Morrison and Nina Young has been displayed in Wellington‘s Te Papa Museum as part of a national NZQA exhibition showcasing toi Māori and Pasifika art.

The students are among only 150 artists selected from around New Zealand for the exhibition. They created painted waka paddles that symbolised Aquinas College in Pyes Pa and its community.

Year 11 visual art teacher, Helen Rejthar, said she was inspired by her students, their work ethics, positivity and artistic ability, and loved seeing the college from their perspective.

“Each paddle symbolises a student’s individual contribution to moving our waka forward, emphasising the role each student plays in the collective journey of our kura.

The artwork of four Aquinas students is now on display at Te Papa, NZ’s national museum. Photo / George Novak.

“They painted meticulous layers and detail, working from the background to the foreground, drawing inspiration from their research,” Rejthar said.

Rejthar and the students had to ensure each paddle worked as a standalone piece and also as a collaborative mural piece.

“They have all risen to the occasion and their gift of this mural will live on at the college, inspiring those yet to come.

Paige Eastergaard's waka paddle symbolises her school’s deep connection with its Catholic identity.

“The four students have visually represented our Catholic kura, and it is lovely for them to have their skills on display for the nation to see.

“It is the students that have put in the mahi [work] and got the treats,” Rejthar said.

Eastergaard created a waka paddle that symbolised her school’s deep connection with its Catholic identity.

“The most symbolic part of my paddle for the school is the cross running through the centre of the paddle,” she said.

“The painted carved face is also symbolic because it represents St Thomas Aquinas, our school’s namesake,” said Eastergaard.

Isla Morrison's waka paddle Te Kete Whakapapa – Vessel of Wisdom and Connection symbolises the values of wisdom, peace and unity within her school's community. Photo / Supplied.

Morrison said her passion for art had been growing since she started it in Year 7.

“This feels like an outstanding accomplishment that I didn’t quite realise was so massive and impressive.

“My favourite feature on my paddle is the kete at the top of the handle as I did it to a higher standard than I thought capable,” Morrison said.

Organised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to celebrate Māori and Pasifika excellence in student art, the exhibit includes photography, sculpture, carving, weaving and printmaking.

The annual exhibition opened September 12 and runs until September 27.

-Bay of Plenty Times