After four years in the works, Fenwick School opened its new waharoa (entranceway) on Wednesday.

The Corten steel entranceway represents the history of the Ōamaru school, including its culture, land and learning.

Te Rūnanga o Moeraki upoko David Higgins says it is a “privilege and a pleasure” to open the waharoa at Fenwick - the school his father taught at in 1952, and the closest school to the old pa site.

Local artist Al Bell worked on the project with influence from tamariki, using their ideas and elements in the final design, while Ōamaru company AcuCut made the design a reality.

“I’m very proud. Pretty humbled,” Al said.

“It’s a wee bit emotional for me.”

Al started his teaching career at Fenwick School, and returned in 2016, after he had retired, to teach for two terms.

“It’s such a cool school. I have a soft spot for it.

“When I first came here this wouldn’t have happened.”

The top panel features three figures, representative of tuakana teina (older sibling-younger sibling relationships) within the school.

It also refers to the relationships between teachers and students, older and younger students and older and younger teachers.

“That’s probably the key feature of this school,” Al said.

To the left of the figures is Te Awa Kōkōmuka (Awamoa Creek) and on the right, Makotukutuku (Cape Wanbrow) and the Araiteuru waka.

A rolling wave design is also along the top panel, showing the tides coming and going - a metaphor for the staff and students that come and go through the school, Al said.

On either end of the top panel is a manaia, guarding the school.

The right side panel shows the academic aspects, while the left shows the school’s traditional sports.

“I tried to incorporate things about this school that would stay,” he said.

“I’m really proud of it. I’m really in awe of it.”

The staff and students had not seen the entranceway prior to the opening.

Fenwick School pupil Ricayla Spence, 10, likes the waharoa, especially the top panel.

“It adds a really good touch to [the school] because it was a bit bland before.”

Fenwick School principal Rodney McLellan says it is a way to show Māori culture.

“It’s a significant piece of work in our school.”