At Te Whānau Puāwaitanga, the heart of New Windsor’s bilingual Māori programme, every event is infused with meaning, mana, and connection. In 2022 and 2023, I had the privilege of helping shape the visual narrative for two of the year’s cornerstone celebrations—Poroporoaki, the end-of-year farewell honouring our tamariki and whānau. For these occasions, I designed custom invitations and event programmes that were more than just functional: they became cherished keepsakes, blending valuess, motifs, and language with uniquely crafted illustration and layout.

Rather than using standard school colours, I crafted each design around the overarching theme of the year’s end: black and gold for 2022, symbolising reflection, dignity, and celebration; green and gold for 2023, a palette chosen to reflect renewal, hope, and achievement. Every choice was intentional, from the colours to the layout, infusing each piece with warmth, personality, and the spirit of Poroporoaki.

The result: events where the values of Te Whānau Puāwaitanga could be seen and felt, helping everyone present to engage deeply, connect, and celebrate together.

Creating these resources inspired me to explore new design techniques and deepen my understanding of how visuals can foster belonging. I learned that good design in a community context isn’t just about aesthetics: it’s about authenticity, accessibility, and the power of shared celebration.