The art of connection and shared school legacy
03 Mar 2025
A striking carved artwork, titled ‘Te Awhiorangi – The embrace of the heavens’, has been given to Christ’s College by St Margaret’s College to mark the 175th school anniversary.
During a service in the College Chapel, St Margaret’s College Executive Principal Diana Patchett, along with Head Prefect Sina Avia and Deputy Head Prefect Zoë Rea, has presented the work to College Executive Principal Joe Eccleton, Head Prefect Ihaka Cate, and Deputy Head Prefect Aaron Kwak.
Created by Hikurangi Edwards, the adze work features layers of acrylic paint on custom-made framed plyboard, with the layers carved to expose multiple colours and the textured images accentuating the variations.
For St Margaret’s College Executive Principal Diana Patchett, “it is our honour to present this gift to Christ’s College in celebration of your 175th anniversary”.
“As brother-sister schools, we share deep connections – both schools founded by those early settlers whose vision shaped Ōtautahi Christchurch, grounded in faith, education, and a passion for cultural flourishing,” she says.
“Through education, tradition, and dedication to a higher purpose, both Christ’s College and St Margaret’s College help our students soar into the world. May this artwork be a symbol of our enduring connection and the shared legacy we continue to build.”
The work conveys a “powerful narrative”.
“In Māori tradition, the adze was the first tool to sever the bonds of darkness and guide the great waka across stormy seas. It speaks of discovery, perseverance, and the strength to navigate new horizons – values that resonate deeply with both our schools.
“He waka eke noa. We are all in this together. This whakatauki (Māori proverb) aligns perfectly with the symbolism of the adze and the great waka navigating the seas, as well as the shared journey of our two schools – united in purpose, tradition, and commitment to growth.”
