Rangatahi mural project making waves on Willis Street

The mural is a collaboration between the youth hub’s rangatahi advisory group, and renowned Wellington artist Xoë Hall.  

Xoë, who enjoys painting murals to express herself and tell stories for people to interpret or draw inspiration from, says she is excited for the opportunity to be collaborating with the Council’s first ever youth advisory board.  

“The rangatahi are really inspiring, smart, and so cool. It was important for me to spend time with them, listen to their stories and their experience being young people in today’s Wellington so that I could do my best to create a safe and inspiring space for them to call home.”  

Xoë’s design portrays the building as a kaitiaki of all those within, adorned with Atua and guardians to protect the rangatahi who use Te Tai Ohinga and the residents of the apartments above as part of Wellington City Council’s Te Kāinga complex.  

Some of the mural’s symbolism includes Mahuika whose fire shines a light for the path from the past forward into the future, birds that brought support (tautoko) to the forest that was there before Willis Street, and Paptūānuku, the earth mother in Māori culture.  

“I enjoy painting murals that give te Ao Māori a public platform to reclaim space and tell our stories to the new generation,” Xoë explains. 

Facilitated by the Council and our partners The Y, Xoë worked on the mural with young people over the school holidays and encouraged them to work their own stories into the artwork. 

“It’s special that Xoë didn’t just ask us to just come help, she asked us to contribute our own special elements to make us feel heard in the space,” says Rebecca (17), who incorporated a sentimental wave design from her grandfather’s hat into the mural. 

Meg, who is 17-years-old, added the stars of Orion’s belt to represent herself and her siblings.  

“I enjoyed the freedom to be expressive on this mural, Xoë said there’s no mistakes. It’s going to be so vibrant and exciting.  It’s going to be so Wellington!” 

“It’s so nice to be able to give art a go, and connect,” adds Faizan (14), who is representing his Pakistani heritage through a paisley design. 

Te Tai Ohinga, opening next month, will provide a space for young people in Pōneke to come together, create and connect. It will have a study space, meeting rooms, a podcasting studio, and and a gaming zone.  

The mural is just one element of  Te Tai Ohinga that has been shaped by the voices of rangitahi. Youth Council has been heavily involved, and hundreds of other local young people have helped create this space through surveys, interactive workshops, and drop-in sessions. 

Xoë says the artistic collaboration with the rangitahi advisory group has made the project very special. 

“Wellington is the place that allowed me to become the artist I am today; I feel this is a perfect way to give back and shine a path for those who would like to do what I do.” 

If you know rangatahi aged 13-18 years old who would be interested in having their original artwork displayed in the new Te Tai Ohinga youth hub, Wellington City Council is currently accepting submissions.

To be eligible you will be between 13-18 years old and live in or have a strong connection to Pōneke Wellington. Each selected artist will receive a $200 Prezzy card to acknowledge their contribution to the space. To find out more and submit artwork, visit our Let’s Talk Page.