The Future Forest
Arts Out East has been collaborating with Mission Heights Junior College and Primary on an innovative signage project, an integral part of the school's ‘Future Forest’ initiative. The ngahere (forest) was a restoration planting of some 19,000 native trees on the grounds of Mission Heights Schools. The collaboration between Mission Heights Primary School (MHPS), Mission Heights Junior College (MHJC) and Pest Free Howick Ward (PFHW) is regarded as one of the largest restoration planting projects undertaken on a school property in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
The vision for a future forest was conceived along the construction of a bike and pump track. The goals were fostering safe cycling access within the local community, as well as promoting its health benefits. Following that, the Matariki Legacy Project engaged over 2000 members from the local community and both schools in planting native trees around the track. The project aimed to improve students' understanding and skills in regenerating and caring for our native biodiversity, while enhancing the beauty of the track. It aligns with both schools' long-term goal of mana ōrite mō te Mātauranga Māori. Meaningfully starting during Matariki in 2022, the initiative celebrated new beginnings and the importance of community engagement.
The signage serves a functional purpose, providing information about the future forest for the public to engage with while using the bike track and enjoying the planting. Arts Out East enlisted Clark Bardsley Design to create the signage, and Kate Hindson from Titanium Design to develop the artwork for the information board, in which she incorporated students' drawings of birds and plant life. This creative duo has produced a gorgeous and functional piece of art that will be enjoyed by the community and many students who will attend the school.
The Future Forest project is set to be unveiled to the public in June, coinciding with the celebration of Matariki 2024.
Kate Hindson: Website
Clark Bardsley Design: Website /Instagram
Arts Out East is supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board