From Idea to Artwork at the Makerspace
What started as a school holiday project became a remarkable six-metre-long artwork celebrating culture, community, and creativity.
Mount Biggs School teacher Colleen Bennett-Bezuidenhout used the Makerspace at Te Āhuru Mōwai to design and create an intricate korowai-inspired installation using the laser cutter and LightBurn software.
Inspired by the heritage of Mount Biggs School and the rohe of Ngāti Kauwhata and Ngāti Raukawa, the artwork incorporates researched kōwhaiwhai patterns and motifs that represent whakapapa, local waterways, and the diverse iwi identities represented by the tamariki within the school community. A key aim of the project was to ensure students could see their own identities, connections, and stories reflected in the work, creating a strong sense of belonging and pride.
Colleen says the Makerspace team played a vital role in helping bring the ambitious project to life. “The Makerspace team were incredibly supportive and patient throughout the whole process. Their guidance gave me the confidence to learn new software and techniques, and without access to the Makerspace this project simply wouldn’t have been possible.”
The project took more than 20 hours of design work, with each of the 11 laser-cut panels taking around 1.5 hours to burn before assembly, gluing, varnishing and finishing touches. Colleen also used AI as a creative tool during the design process, helping to blend extensive research and cultural inspiration into the final design. She hopes it encourages others to explore new technology with confidence and see it as an accessible way to help bring creative ideas to life.
“It was a big project, but we are so happy with how it turned out,” says Colleen.
Since finishing the panels, the project has continued to grow. It is now quickly filling up with the faces of all the tamariki in the class, as well as those who will join throughout the year, making it a true living part of the classroom and a reflection of the school community as it continues to evolve.
The Makerspace at Te Āhuru Mōwai provides the community with access to creative technology, including laser cutters, design software, and materials to help bring ideas to life. Access is free, with charges applied for materials used.
Have you got a project idea? Visit Te Āhuru Mōwai to learn more about the Makerspace, find out more information online, or book a session.
Makerspace | Manawatū Community Hub Libraries
Photos of teacher Colleen Bennett-Bezuidenhout’s Mount Biggs School classroom featuring the wooden waka created in the Makerspace.