When Matahui School was first invited to take part in the Tūmanako – Children and Youth Artworks for a Peaceful World in Aotearoa exhibition, it felt like a natural fit.

“Tūmanako means hope and holds a beautiful message of peace,” said principal Mary Woods. “At Matahui School, our values align deeply with this kaupapa. We’re committed to fostering kindness, emotional intelligence, and acceptance of difference in our tamariki.”

Each student at Matahui is involved — from planning and creating individual artworks to exploring complex ideas about peace, hope and conflict. Photo/ supplied

The small school in the Western Bay of Plenty is participating for the fourth year in an art exhibition celebrating its 10th anniversary.

This year, it joins eight other schools and kindergartens, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombings and the 30th anniversary of the Ikeda Hall Peace Gardens in Rotorua.

Matahui School principal, Mary Woods. Photo / Brydie Thompson.

Each student at Matahui is involved — from planning and creating individual artworks to exploring complex ideas about peace, hope and conflict.

Woods said the process begins with class discussions and guided learning.

“They learn about the causes of conflict, including the historical impact of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” she said.

“From there, students are encouraged to reflect on what peace means to them — whether it’s a place, a feeling, or a hope — and to represent that through their art.”

Older students explored sculpture this year, while younger ones used various art mediums.

In all cases, teachers wove peace and global citizenship themes into the school’s broader curriculum, incorporating lessons on New Zealand’s nuclear-free stance in an age-appropriate way, Woods said.

“Our students learn that peace isn’t just a global concept — it starts with small, thoughtful actions in their everyday lives."

Nine schools and kindergartens are taking part this year: Matahui School, Katikati College, Katikati Primary, Golden Sands School, Golden Sands Learning Centre, Mount Maunganui Primary, Otumoetai Kindergarten, Maunganui Kindergarten, along with students learning through homeschooling.

Darinee Turnwald, a member of the Tūmanako committee, said the exhibition provides a meaningful platform for tamariki and rangatahi to explore and express their understanding of peace.

“At its heart, Tūmanako is about nurturing hope and fostering thoughtful conversations around peace,” Turnwald said. “It’s inspiring to see how creatively and insightfully children of all ages engage with this kaupapa.”

The public is warmly invited to attend the opening ceremony at Tauranga Library, 21 Devonport Road, on Thursday, August 8, at 5.45pm.

The event will feature a song about peace performed by Matahui School, five students from the school speaking about their artworks, and a kapa haka performance by the Golden Sands group.

Two Matahui students will also serve as MCs for the evening.

The exhibition will be on display at Tauranga Library for three weeks, running until 31 August.