Mural has transformed the area

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The mural “Journeying” by eke artistTheo Arraj effectively makes the old concrete structure disappear into its surrounding natural environment.

The Montgomery Ave neighbourhood group, led by resident Debbie Bidlake, connected with the artist last year and worked hard to raise money to support the project.

Funding came from Wellington City Council, the Department of Internal Affairs, Terawhiti Charitable Trust,and several local businesses that sponsored the work.

“We wanted the mural to convey a sense of place, both past and present,” Ms Bidlake, who was the project lead, says.

“When we walk these hills, we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors who used Te Wharangi ridgeline to journey between the inner harbour and coast and valued the area for gathering food and rong

“We also wanted the mural to talk about the importance of biodiversity and the interconnection of people and nature.

“Since the reservoir sits above a playground, we wanted the mural to be interactive and to engage our tamariki,hence the hidden flora and fauna motifs.

“The

“This mural has transformed the area.

“It now feels vibrant and inviting, the kind of place the community can celebrate and feel proud of.

“What a gift Theo has given us,” Ms Bidlake says

“Council has been inspired by this project,” the council’s Senior Arts Advisor, Katie Taylor-Duke, says.

“We’ve witnessed a small community drive this mural, connect with iwi and bring together big organisations (central and local government) and sectors – arts, urban ecology, education, and recreation – to make it hap- pen.

“The group took responsibility for their neighbourhood. They initiated a project that speaks to the surrounding environment, and that will bring pleasure to the many people who live in this area or who visit for recreation,”Ms

Taylor-Duke says.

“The mural, as a communityled project, and with its strong links to our city’s mana whenua narratives and history, aligns strongly with Council’sAho Tini 2030 Arts, Culture, and Creativityand piki Orastrategies.

“The mural was initiated to enliven the area, celebrate the wealth of nature and recreation on our city’s back doorstep, and