Project

Logo and branding for a new merged school in Gore, Māruawai College.

A two-hour drive from Queenstown to Gore, with one purpose: to create a meaningful and distinctive tohu (logo) for the forthcoming Māruawai College. The new kura, set to open in 2024, merging Longford Intermediate School and Gore High School into one.

Our kōrero with students and teachers swiftly highlighted their strong connections - not just with each other, but also with the local community, mana whenua, and the taiao (natural surroundings). As a result, we used a harakeke (flax) design to demonstrate these interconnected relationships.

Part of our journey involved a tour of Gore High School. We were ushered into a classroom filled with memorabilia of the school - old uniforms, badges, photos etc.. This experience was essential in understanding the rich whakapapa (heritage) and history of the school.

As Māori it was a must to acknowledge this whakapapa. We shaped the tohu (logo) as a shield to pay homage to the predecessor logo of Gore High School but also to acknowledge the schools whakapapa. This symbol signifies continuity, resilience and school tradition.

The return drive allowed for reflection and discussion, set against the picturesque natural landscape of Gore. It was here that we drew more inspiration from the local natural environment for our project. To encapsulate this, the logo uses green and navy to symbolise the Hokonui Hills and the Mataura and Clutha rivers. These are also colours used in the current Longford Intermediate School and Gore High School logos, again paying homage. The addition of gold within the logo serves as a beacon, representing the school's aspiration for its students to shine brightly in their educational journeys.

Our journey to Gore signified more than gaining input for a design; it was a collaborative journey that underscored our commitment to merging tradition with future aspirations. The new Māruawai College logo embodies this vision, binding together past and present, and setting a purposeful course towards a promising future. In essence, our task mirrors the journey of every student — rooted in heritage, thriving in the present, and guided by the aspirations of the community.