A student-led art piece honouring the often “unattributed” role of women in wartime has been unveiled at Tauranga Girls’ College.

The 2m-by-2m mosaic was made from hundreds of hand-laid tiles, and honours women who served overseas, supported communities at home and continue to serve today.

It was unveiled on Monday in front of students, teachers, former prefects and community members who helped bring the large-scale tribute from concept to completion.

Deputy head girl of learning Brooke Barnett, 17, took over the project from Senu Guruge, last year’s deputy head prefect of learning.

Barnett said the new group of prefects took the project in their stride.

“We worked tirelessly and so hard with many people contributing and I think that’s what it’s all about, bringing light to women and showing value to what everyone has contributed.

“I thought it was so meaningful to give tribute to so many women who often go unattributed.”

She said the project was about being part of a community and creating something that future generations could look back on with pride.

“So many hands touched it and so many people were invested in the vision to the respect of commemorating women, and I think it’s really beautiful to see it all come together.”

The mosaic was blessed by local iwi during the unveiling ceremony, and the Last Post was played in remembrance of the women who contributed to wartime efforts.

Last year's deputy head girl of learning, Senu Guruge (left) and current deputy head girl of learning at Tauranga Girls' College, Brooke Barnett. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell

Guruge was among those at the unveiling, and saw the finished project she helped start.

She said it was “heartwarming” to see the project taken on by a new group who continued it through to completion.

“We put many hours into it last year, and I guess it was always in the back of my mind that this is quite a large piece that would require a lot of time.”

The artwork, named Weaving Women’s Stories in Tile, is made up of four distinct sections, each chosen to reflect different layers of women’s service and sacrifice.

One panel recognises women who supported the home front during times of war, while another highlights the New Zealand Women’s Land Army.

A kiwi symbol acknowledges those currently serving in the New Zealand Defence Force, and a dove represents peace and the hope for a more peaceful future.

“It’s to grow a respect towards people who have served and understand that the reason that we’re here now is because of people who have made sacrifices in the past,” Guruge said.

“It’s definitely more than we could have imagined.”

The original mosaic design (left) and the completed mosaic piece (right).

Guruge, 19, spent her school holidays with a team of prefects and junior students to put the mosaic together, but knew the project wouldn’t be completed until this year.

She briefed the incoming team of prefects, who continued on the piece and worked closely with principal Tara Kanji.

Kanji said the piece was centred around the impact alumni or “women prior to us” had left.

“Which is an everlasting impact on us today of remembering where we’ve come from, and not losing sight of how important it is to have peace.”

She said it was “really special” to work alongside the student leaders, helping them bring the piece to life.

“It is very much a student-driven piece, and we see it as an everlasting legacy.”

Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.