Divine inspiration lifts award

Hereworth student Jack Lawson, 12, won a competition to design a new logo representing Anglican schools in New Zealand and Polynesia.

A local student's logo blends education and creativity with three unique cultural identities.

Year 8 Hereworth student Jack Lawson, 12, won a competition aimed at finding a new design to represent Anglican education nationwide and throughout the Pacific.

"There are 46 Anglican schools in the Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia province and, until now, we haven't had a symbol that represents us all as one," Anglican Schools Office Executive Director Reverend Anne van Gend said.

Set criteria asked that various elements be featured - church, education as well as the three tikanga - Maori, English and Pasifika, all interwoven.

His success came down to a clear and simple showcase of the network and what it represents.

"We had so many wonderful entries but Jack's logo is just striking."

It was a surprising win for the Havelock North student who thought he "didn't stand a chance" against the talent of older high school students.

"It was such a good feeling - I had done quite a few drafts so the finished product was different to what I started with - it took me a few weeks to completely finish it."

Jack began with a cross which nods to religion, a pencil was the obvious choice for education, while three sections and a koru pattern portrayed Maori, Polynesian and Pakeha cultures. "Blue represents the ocean, green is the forest and plants and yellow represents the Holy Spirit."

Director of visual arts and technology, Molly Munro, said Jack extended himself creatively across art and design.

"We're so proud of his achievement in this competition," she said.

Jack gave a speech about the inspiration behind his logo to an audience at the Anglican Schools Conference dinner in Christchurch's transitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral last week.

Reverend van Gend said entries were received from primary, intermediate and high schools throughout the region and were voted on by a panel including principals, chaplains and the Anglican Schools' board.