Next month, the Alexandra Primary School will become the newest canvas of Auckland mural artist Flox, real name Hayley King.
Deputy principal Kylie Nixon said the project came about during the junior school’s inquiry project of "who came before us", looking at the history of the Alexandra area.
"We, as a team, wanted to be able to capture this learning and share it with everybody."
About the same time, the Ministry of Education released a learning resource called "Painting Stories", exploring a mural of Flox’s in Roxburgh and the narrative behind it.
Ms Nixon said principal Fi Mackley encouraged the school to "dream big", and ask Flox to complete a mural for the school.
The school was able to secure funding from the Central Lakes Trust and the Aotearoa Gaming Trust and ITM Alexandra has also sponsored the project by providing materials for the project.
Plywood was put up last weekend by volunteers in preparation for the mural.
Ms Nixon said the pupils had been thoroughly engaged with the topic.
"It was such a great launchpad for us and our learning. They’re really excited that an artist is coming."
The pupils put forward topics they wanted to see in the mural, ranging from how their own families arrived in Alexandra to the area’s flora and fauna and unique colours.
The brief had been sent to Flox and the school was excited to see what she came up with, Ms Nixon said.
"The focal point is the [Clutha River] Mata-Au and the Manuherikia coming together, Kopuwai sheltering us and Haehaeata providing first light."
She anticipated Flox would have an enraptured audience of staff and pupils.
"The teachers are as excited as the kids."
Flox will start work on the mural on December 4.
