The imposing artworks were created by professional sculptor Gavin Wilson and a dozen school pupils.
The achievement was made all the more remarkable because Mr Wilson had his right hand severed in an industrial accident at Ellis Fibre Ltd, in Kaikorai Valley, on June 6.
''It was a pretty traumatic amputation. But, it's like anything; you just get on with it,'' he said at the unveiling and blessing of the sculpture at school assembly yesterday.
''Having the kids involved gives them ownership of them. It means they respect them more."
Less than two weeks after the accident, he was back at Tahuna Intermediate helping pupils complete the sculptures.
Tahuna Intermediate principal Tony Hunter said Mr Wilson was ''inspirational'' to the pupils.
''He had the accident halfway through, so it has taken incredible dedication and commitment from him to finish the project.''
Mr Wilson hopes to eventually trade in his prosthetic hand for a robotic hand. The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment is investigating the accident.
