Nelson Central Kindergarten is close to te awa Waimārama, or The Brook Stream, which is a home to a healthy population of tuna, or NZ longfin eels. Tamariki from the kindergarten often go on walks in their local area and experience a connection to this local awa. Now they have brought that connection alive in their kindergarten environment with a very special new addition to their playground — a beautiful, community-created mural that celebrates their tamariki, their learning journey, and the values that guide them as they grow.
Artist Emma Biggam with the new tuna mural
The mural features four tuna (eels) swimming along the Waimārama stream toward the ocean—a meaningful symbol of their tamariki moving through their early learning years and eventually out into the wider world. Each tuna represents one of the four core values chosen by whānau through the kindergarten’s recent Pasifika learning journey: Love, Honesty, Respect, and Kindness.
Pasifika inspired symbols represent the shared values of kindergarten and whānau
These values are represented through unique symbols woven into the mural’s design, which tamariki can interact with as part of their everyday play. The mural not only brightens the kindergarten’s outdoor space but also acts as a living reminder of who the children are, where they come from, and what they carry with them as they move forward. Nelson Central Kindergarten also had a special waiata composed for them by local music therapist, Emma Matthews, which connects to the lifecycle of the tuna and metaphor of its hekenga out into open ocean.
This mural was a true collaborative effort. The design and painting were led with aroha by Jimena Johnson (a whānau member and parent of one tamaiti) and Emma Biggam, one of the passionate kaiako. The detailed woodwork was crafted by Mark Johnson, whose skill helped bring the mural to life in a beautiful and lasting way. A whānau planning group also contributed to the creation of the values-based symbols that are central to the piece.
Enviroschools Facilitator Toshi Phillips and Regional Coordinator Emma Reeves (who is also a water scientist) visited the kindergarten to support tamariki and kaiako with learning about tuna, their lifecycle and how we can contribute to their wellbeing. They ran a session which introduced stories and waiata about tuna, visuals showing their lifecycle, and discussion around how to keep tuna safe and healthy. Tamariki had the opportunity to explore resources and engage with the learning through play.
Tamariki enjoying a tuna migration story with Emma Reeves
Visually exploring the tuna lifecycle
Exploring the tuna lifecycle through play- the tuna are off to Tonga!