Omakau School’s senior pupils are leaving a legacy behind for future children to enjoy.

Year 8 children Zac Dougherty, Will Gillespie, Wiremu Harraway and Alexis Henderson have signed off their time at the school by crafting native birds on large wooden panels for display in the playground.

The artistic creations, installed on large poles in the middle of a recently developed bike track, are part of the school’s annual Legacy Art Project.

Wiremu Harraway with his matuku moana.

Each year, children in Year 8 get the chance to work on a project - one they can leave behind for others to enjoy in years to come.

Year 5 to 8 teacher Wanda Jaggard said the children designed their chosen bird on Google Drawings, shaped them from plywood and painted them.

“So, if they come back in the future they can show their friends and family - it’s like a legacy they have left the school."

Will Gillespie with his tūī.

Alexis Henderson with the tauhou and pīwakawaka.

The native birds they chose to create were kārearea (New Zealand falcon), matuku moana (white faced heron), tūī, pīwakawaka (fantail) and tauhou (silvereye).

She thanked a large range of people who helped make the project happen, including those who donated materials and equipment and those who helped install the artworks.

Zac Dougherty with his kārearea.

Last year’s project, a pair of kaitiaki, also known as guardians, were also recently installed and now stand proud at the entrance to the school’s new greenhouse. Their purpose is to protect the school’s food crops and native plants.

PHOTOS: The Central App