The Hineora Programme at Raglan Area School is offered as an Alternative Education course for Year 9-10 female students.

The programme aims to develop a successful learning path with various courses including: food technology, digital technology, outdoor education, art and more.

Some of the art projects have involved creating a mural for the kaumatua and decorating pou for the school gardens. For their Term 3 project five students got to design and paint planter boxes for the Raglan Placemakers Committee as part of the ‘Place Making’ initiative.

Committee members Lisa Thomson and Bob Macleod approached Bronwyn Haitana about utilising the art skills at RAS for various Place Making Initiatives. Bronwyn then coordinated with Whaea Jeanette who has been guiding the girls through a year of art projects.

The girls worked together to create four planter boxes, two which have been placed in front of Roll Up and The Yot Club, another sits outside of the Lion’s Club, and the fourth awaits its new home.

“We got to paint the things that represent Raglan to us, like Karioi, the ocean and the moon,” said Vision.

When asked about their favourite part of making the boxes, Thalia pointed out the teamwork they experienced through the process of creating each box.

As for carrying on with their art careers, Charlie has plans to build on what she has learned, while the rest of girls hope to explore the other great classes such as the cooking and Maori.

Keep an eye out for the beautiful planter boxes along the footpaths in the CBD.

For more on The Hineora Programme contact Raglan Area School.

Karamea Puriri