“Wings of Wonder: The Puriri Moth’s Story on Our Walls”

A Tamariki Mural with FLOX

At Sugartree Lane Preschool, our walls are now alive with colour, wings, and wonder.

It is not just a painting. It is a journey. A flutter. A celebration of curiosity. With the magical touch of New Zealand artist FLOX and the eco-friendly brilliance of the Natural Paint Co., our tamariki have a mural that whispers stories of the forest — the life cycle of the Puriri moth.

This is just phase 1 of a huge update for our centre and we can’t wait to see more progress!

From Hidden Caves to Midnight Flight

The Puriri moth is a secretive creature, spending years tucked away in tree trunks before bursting into the night sky in a shimmer of emerald. For our tamariki, learning its story was like unwrapping a mystery of Aotearoa. Through brushstrokes and storytelling, they stepped into the role of kaitiaki (guardians), learning how every small creature has its place in our world. As Te Whāriki reminds us, children grow as explorers (Mana aotūroa), testing theories, asking questions, and making sense of the magic around them.

With her signature style, FLOX painted using intricate stencils, layering colours and shapes that seemed to appear like magic before our eyes. The tamariki gathered close, watching as each careful spray revealed leaves, wings, and forest creatures. What began as a blank wall slowly transformed into a living storybook… a mural that grew before them, stroke by stroke, like watching nature itself unfold.

Three Special Guests: Chosen by the Tamariki

Of course, every story needs companions. Our tamariki decided this mural needed more than just a moth… so three very special friends joined the forest scene:

🦗 The Wētā – strong, curious, and a little cheeky.
🦋 The Monarch Butterfly – delicate wings that speak of change and courage.
🌙 The Mokarekare Moth – mysterious, soft, and full of night-time secrets.

By choosing these creatures, the children wove their voices directly into the artwork — showing the power of contribution (Mana tangata) and belonging (Mana whenua).

A Mural of Care and Connection

Painted with natural, sustainable paints, (Gifted by The Natural Paint Co) this mural is also a gentle reminder of our connection to the earth. It’s a promise to care for our creatures, our forests, and our tamariki.

Here at Sugartree Lane Preschool, we believe that learning should be playful, magical, and meaningful. Each brushstroke tells a story, and each story strengthens our children’s sense of wonder, wellbeing, and joy.

Looking for a Childcare Adventure?

If you’re searching for “daycare near me”, or dreaming of childcare in Auckland City that feels like a home for imagination, come and visit us.

At Sugartree Lane Preschool, your child will not only grow — they’ll flutter, shine, and soar, just like the Puriri moth.

✨ Book a visit today and discover why families love our Auckland childcare – where stories live on the walls, and learning feels a little like magic.