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News | 18 October 2024
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Murals across Pōneke

Here in Pōneke, we have many talented artists who have created public art for all to enjoy across the central city and suburbs. Murals are an opportunity to recognise and mark sites of significance, celebrate mana whenua mātauranga, and tell the stories of the past and present.

Person painting a mural wearing a jumpsuit.

Murals enable communities to come together and share ideas about what might be represented, and for artists to develop their practice beyond the traditional arts spaces to broaden their careers. Murals add a pop of colour to our cityscapes and make visible histories, people, and place. They enable people to see our city differently and provide information about spaces we may not have been aware of. Murals are also a great way to reduce graffiti and increase perceptions safety.  

Check out our murals story collection below.

Top corner of St James with cherub from mural in forefront with Courtenay Place in the background.
Cherub from the side of the St James Theatre.

St James mural

The St James Mural, Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua, was a collaborative effort between Pōneke-born mana whenua artist Keri-Mei Zagrobelna (Te Āti Awa, Te Whānau ā Apanui) and experienced muralist Tina Rae Carter. The mural is an epic 17 metres tall, and while the dynamic duo didn’t know each other before this project, they have come together to create a beautiful story of the land and heritage building.

Berhampore murals

Pōneke-based artists, Tracy Underwood (Ngati Raukawa) and Ruth Robertson-Taylor are the minds behind the three vibrant murals in Berhampore, which can be found on the corner of Adelaide Road and Luxford Street, on the wharepaku (toilet) block, and the side of the BP station. They collaborated closely with students from Wellington East Girls' College, as well as with family and others artists, including Porirua-based artist Tuakana Holmes, to create these vibrant murals.

Bowen Street mural

The hillside behind Bowen St was a kainga (food garden) before it became a residential area and cemetery. The new mural Kaiota brings together that history and other māramatanga (meanings). The artist Ariki Brightwell talks us through the elements. 

Island Bay Parade mural

Gina Kiel grew up surrounded by the artwork of her late father Leon Kiel – known to many as the artist behind the island in Whairepo Lagoon. She is now following in her father’s footsteps by creating beautiful public murals, with the most recent one on the wharepaku toilet block on Medway Street, Island Bay.

Te Aro mural

A new mural at Te Aro Park has been painted by young people, who say the art helps give them ownership of the space, and more pride in their city.

Garrett Street mural

The buried stream Waimapihi tracks underground from Aro Valley, through Garrett Street, and out to the Wellington Harbour. Named after Māpihi, a rangatira who used to bathe in the awa, the historical significance of the site is honoured through the new mural by artist Izzy Joy.

Willis Street mural

Have you noticed something colourful on Willis Street? That’s the new mural for Te Tai Ohinga, the upcoming free space in the city for young people aged 13 to 18.

Island Bay Primary and St Francis de Sales laneway mural

Pōneke based artist Greta Menzies has a knack for illustration – often turning shapes into creatures full of patterns and colour. Now, she has used her creativity to design a 99-metre long mural inspired by workshops with senior students from Island Bay Primary and St Francis de Sales for a laneway connecting their schools, between The Parade and Clyde Street.

Newtown Library/Smart Newtown mural

A stunning new artwork has been created by artist Liana Leiataua, in collaboration with the local community, for the Newtown Library/Smart Newtown building in Newtown.

Waterfront mural

The artwork, created by internationally renowned artist Graham Hoete (Mr G), adorns Shed 1 along the city's iconic waterfront, serving as a lasting tribute to June Jackson, who dedicated her life to the betterment of Wellington and its residents.

Waimapihi mural
Waimapihi mural.

Upcoming murals

There are more exciting works coming up across Pōneke. Keep an eye out for works near Ākau Tangi, Wadestown and the central city!

Find out more about murals on our website.