Thank you to New Zealand artist, Peata Larkin, for the unique taonga she has created for Baradene College.
Te Piki Whetū (The Rising Star) 2025 was created by New Zealand artist and Baradene College past parent, Peata Larkin, to acknowledge each “Leave a Legacy” donor, and all in the Baradene community who contributed to the 2023/2024 Growing Heart campaign to raise funds for the equipment needed to fit out the Erskine Stuart Gymnasium complex. The artwork evolved over time, beginning with concept discussions in late 2024 between Peata and former Baradene Principal, Sandy Pasley. The final proposal was presented by Peata in March 2025 to current Baradene Principal, Alexandra Russell. Peata created the artwork, with each perspex donor name “tile” produced by the Baradene Makerspace. On the morning of 19 June, to coincide with the beginning of Matariki, and following the beautiful Baradene Matariki Liturgy, Te Piki Whetū was blessed by Matua Manuel Beasley and Monsignor Bernard Kiely at a special ceremony attended by the Principal, representatives of the RSCJ and the Baradene Boards, and by “Leave a Legacy” donors. This amazing 3 metre x 3 metre artwork now holds a very special place, both in the gymnasium, and in Baradene’s history.
With thanks to Peata Larkin, Baradene Makerspace, Baradene College Limited and the Baradene College Foundation (Growing Heart).
About the Artist | Peata Larkin
Peata Larkin (Te Arawa, Tuhourangi, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Tuwharetoa) graduated with a Master of Fine Arts from RMIT, Melbourne, in 2009 and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland. Her public and private commissions have included ANZ Tower, Westfield Newmarket, Park Hyatt and the International Convention Centre in Auckland and Red Square in Tauranga. Her work is held in the collections of Memphis Museum of Fine Arts, USA, Rotorua Museum Arts Trust, Pataka Art + Museum, the University of Waikato and Massey University.
About Te Piki Whetū (The Rising Star) 2025
“I love the amalgamation of connection, commemoration, celebration and community which is what this project encompasses. “Whiria te tāngata”, (“To weave the people together”), the Baradene community, past and new, who have come together to uplift our young wāhine (women), “Our rising stars”, with this beautiful new gymnasium. Baradene is nurturing wāhine toa (strong women) in a safe environment where they have the space to learn and grow and to succeed in anything they put their minds to. They are flourishing and in a way that allows them to grow as individuals but together as wāhine toa and as a community as well.
As my ideas and drawings evolved, I realised that I was creating a constellation of whetu or stars that formed one beautiful large whetū. This, in turn, expresses “He waka eke noa”, we’re all in this together. A constellation of whetu from all cultures honouring Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa.
The concept of Matariki as part of this Kaupapa seemed a natural progression as Matariki is a time to celebrate new beginnings but also to commemorate our loved ones who have passed. I love that the whetū or star, is made up of past and present wāhine and whanau connected to Baradene. The community or constellation of stars are rising in unison as a whole star.
My concept is created by several layers. First, the “Takitahi” pattern as the first layer symbolises mana whenua – the foundational weaving pattern and symbolises the strengthening of the woven whāriki (mat) and the duty of kaitiaki (guardians) to protect the land. The coloured perspex tiles, arranged by donation tiers, will sit proud of the wall so that the colours and names emanate onto the wall when the light shines through them.”
- Peata Larkin, Artist, 2025
Te Piki Whetū | A reflection by a Baradene College Limited Board member
“I spent time with Peata Larkin to understand more fully the creation of her work Te Piki Whetū. She said it is more than an artwork, it is a living expression of our charism as a Sacred Heart school — to reveal God’s love in the heart of the world, to educate the whole person, and to form young women who will shine in their own unique way.
Like the Society of the Sacred Heart itself, Peata begins with listening. Before touching materials or sketching designs, she listens for the kaupapa — the purpose, the heartbeat of the work. That starting point is very much in the spirit of St Madeleine Sophie Barat, who believed education begins with knowing and loving each individual.
Light, Layers, and Meaning
The cross at the centre anchors us in our Christian foundation — our faith, our hope, and our call to service.
The layers that radiate outwards recall our growth as a community, tier upon tier. They give depth, much like the formation we seek for our students — intellectual, emotional, spiritual.
The choice of perspex, allowing light to shine through, reminds her of Sophie’s belief that each child carries the light of Christ within them — and that our task is to help that light be seen.
Even the colour tells a story. Peata began with yellow, her favourite, but the piece chose pink — a gentle, unexpected grace. In the life of faith, too, God’s invitations often come in colours we didn’t anticipate.
Unity – Unum
At the heart of our school motto lies Unum — One Heart. This work embodies that oneness:
Unity between cultures. Unity between light and structure.
Unity between faith and meaning.
Unity between the seen and unseen.
In a world that so often fragments, the artwork becomes a quiet but bold statement: here, we choose to stand together.”