A Mural of Belonging, Leadership, and Whakapapa

A group of Tikipunga High School Dreamers from across year levels revealed a ‘Dream Wall’ mural that symbolises their journey in life so far. Through this artwork, they hope to inspire every student, now and in the future, to know that their voice matters.

Earlier this year, around 20 Dreamers joined Year 13 Navigator Lucia Kotze to shape the concept for the Dream Wall. Their vision was to create a piece that reflected the identity, dreams, and shared stories of young people in our community.

The process was hands-on and entirely student-driven, which Lucia said was a real learning curve for both the students and herself. “Instead of assigning roles, I let the process unfold. There were natural leaders, shy artists, and those who preferred to watch until they felt ready. Each Dreamer found their own way to contribute, and the result was richer for it,” said Lucia. “When young people are trusted with real responsibility, they rise.”

After the initial planning stage, the team met every week to plan, sketch, measure, and source materials. As the year progressed they increased to meeting twice weekly and they also dedicated time during the September holidays to ensure the project was completed before the end of term, despite the added pressure of upcoming exams.

Lucia said that the process was not always smooth sailing and there were heated discussions about colour choices and design direction. But each challenge became an opportunity to practice patience, active listening and restorative conversation.

Thanks to ongoing support and expert advice from Creative Northland Chief Executive, Olivia Garelja and celebrated local artist Shane Hansen, the Dreamers quickly learned how to work together through the process and solve any issues that arose.

Mitre 10 Mega Whangārei generously donated the majority of the material costs to support this initiative as well as offering ongoing practical solutions to queries the Dreamers had, but also generously covered the majority of the material costs. They were introduced to the student-led project by the Kindness Collective who help to coordinate support between charity partners and businesses. 

Lucia explained that the diversity of ages and ideas amongst the Dreamers became the project’s strength and each perspective added new colour, texture and depth to the final piece. “When it was complete, the pride on their faces said it all,” said Lucia. “They had not just created art, they had created belonging. The Dream Wall is a living reflection of their shared journey, their whakapapa, and their growth as leaders.” 

For the group, it’s a legacy they will leave as a marker of their time at Tikipunga High School and with I Have a Dream, captured in a way that’s bold, beautiful, and deeply personal.

Lucia shared that the Dreamers told her because she let them do it their way, it made it feel like theirs. “That one sentence confirmed everything I hoped for, that they felt ownership, belonging and belief in their ability to create something meaningful.”

Year 9 Student Zariah shared that she was sad the project was finished because it had become like a second home for her. “I’ve learned how much teamwork matters and how every idea counts. I was the youngest, but I always felt like I belonged,” said Zariah. “I’ll never forget painting those final pieces together.” 

The big reveal drew a crowd of around 80 people, including community members, Tikipunga High School staff and students, whānau, I Have a Dream Founder and Chairman Scott Gilmour, and I Have a Dream staff, donors and supporters, all united in pride for what the Dreamers had accomplished.

For every future Dreamer who walks past the Dream Wall, which has found its home on the end of the I Have a Dream HQ building, the message is clear – this is a place where dreams are nurtured, youth lead with pride, and community stands strong together.