Excitement and joy filled the air at BLENNZ Homai Campus School as students, staff, and volunteers gathered to unveil a stunning seven-and-a-half-metre-wide sensory mural, handcrafted by Boomer Shed volunteers from the Beautification Trust.
BLENNZ—Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ—is a specialist school and education network supporting children and young people who are blind or have low vision.
The mural was designed specifically to enhance the sensory learning and play experience for its students.
The event was learner-led, with BLENNZ students taking charge of the ceremony, delivering karakia, speeches, and performing the school song. After the mural was revealed, it was blessed by local kaumatua.
Manurewa Local Board Chair Matt Winiata was blown away by the leadership of all the students who led the ceremony.
“We were treated to such a special unveiling ceremony by the students, all of whom showed incredible confidence and leadership.”
The mural is the result of nearly two years of dedicated work by the Boomer Shed—a community workshop in Manurewa where retired and semi-retired volunteers use their skills to give back.
Stacey Upjohn, Boomer Shed Manager, shared the deeper meaning behind the mural, explaining how it draws inspiration from te ao Māori and tells the story of the first ancestors arriving in Aotearoa by waka, alongside the diverse native wildlife that calls the land and ocean home.
For the Boomer Shed volunteers, seeing the tamariki explore and delight in the mural was a full-circle moment.
"It was a very touching moment for them," said Upjohn.
"I think they were a little emotional, although they probably tried to hide it, as they took in the children's admiration of their work."
The project is a shining example of how community collaboration can create something truly special.
The Boomer Shed provided the expertise, BLENNZ provided the vision, and together they created an inclusive, meaningful artwork that will enrich the lives of all the students.
Manurewa Local Board has a long-standing partnership with The Beautification Trust, organisers of the Boomer Shed volunteers.
Winiata praised the group’s efforts, highlighting the power of community collaboration in Manurewa.
“The Boomer Shed volunteers’ skill is evident, and the strong sense of community this project has fostered will be enjoyed by students at BLENNZ school for years to come.”
Stay connected
Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area?
Sign up for the Manurewa Local Board E-News or follow us on Facebook.
