The signs and stories that adorn the buildings of Karamū High School have been brought to life by former students.  

The latest is of this year’s quote: Don’t let the results and outcomes of the past define who you are – it’s what you do now and moving forward that will define who you are going to be.

Vince McGrath, of LM Graphic Designs LTD, attended Karamū High School in the eighties, and now works alongside his son and the company’s director Luke McGrath.

Whether it’s “decorative, directional or empowering,” Vince has been contributing to the life of the school one sign at a time for the past two decades. 

“I've got a keen interest in the place, watching it develop and helping out as much as we can, because it’s played such a significant role in so many people’s lives.”

“They're for generations to see them. That's what I really like about it.”

Bradey Flemming too attended Karamū from 2013 to 2016 and had a keen interest in seeing the different signs.

Now, at 25, she is also responsible for putting them up.

“I’ve known Bradey since she was little, but I remember her watching us doing painting and stuff around here,” Vince recalls.

Bradey says: “It’s pretty cool seeing the school”.

Last year, they hand painted the kura’s pepeha.  It took several days but has become one of Vince’s favourite pieces.

Principal Dionne Thomas says using Vince and Bradey supports the schools kaupapa around actively encouraging those that have been associated with Karamū High School in the past to reconnect. 

Tira Ora has been launched for everyone that has had an association with Karamū in the past – students, staff and community members to reconnect. 

“The name ‘Tira Ora’ was selected as it is the name given to the branchlet of the Karamū tree, so an ideal name for branchlets or students of Karamū. Those that want to reconnect with the school should get along to our website and register.

“Having them come in and physically create our pepeha in the centre of the school had extra special meaning.”

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