The Discovery Centre is part of the museum and works with one school each year, giving it a chance to display its artwork.
The 17 Pine Hill senior learning team pupils spent 10 weeks working on banners representing Pacific islands of their choosing.
PlaNet Pasifika Discovery Centre host Herbert Bartley said yesterday the school was chosen to work with Te Papa because it had a high percentage of Pacific Island pupils.
It was a first for Dunedin, because the Discovery Centre had never worked with a school this far south.
Mr Bartley said he and a colleague had taught the children about patterns and arts of Pacific islands.
"We try to keep as much mixed media in there as we can, so we've got contemporary and traditional artwork."
He wanted the children to express themselves through their work.
"I want them to tell their own story through the banners."
Principal Mel Jewiss said the children were inspired by the idea of their banners being displayed at Te Papa.
"It just gives them motivation to know that people are going to see their banners."
Learning about different cultures was important for the children.
The community had been very supportive and parents had taught the children about their cultures, Mrs Jewiss said.
Sujata Ritchie said her banner was focused on Fiji.
"The island that inspired me was Fiji because I wanted to see and make Fijian art."
The banners will go up in Te Papa next month and stay there until October next year.
- Leeana Tamati
