The mural was created as part of Hutt City Council’s Mural in schools programme, in partnership with the Rangatahi Learning Centre and the Wainuiomata Hub.
The name of the mural, Ngā Waitata A Wainuiomata relates to Taonga Puoro (Traditional Maori instruments) and reflects the beautiful sounds of the Wainuiomata, the people and the ngahere.
The mural tells the story of Maori music and how it has been woven into the mana of Wainuiomata. Tokutoku panels created from Ngāti Porou Tokutoku, represent the diverse Ngā iwi living in Wainuiomata. The top of the mural is dedicated to the world of Tāwhirimātea. Winds in the instruments and the wind that blows through the Wainuiomata valley bring the sounds of the forest alive. The bottom of the mural is dedicated to Papatūānuku and the awa that runs through her.
A Maori camouflage runs through the picture honouring the Maori battalion and the music they brought back from Europe. The bridge over the mountains represents the development of the area and its continuing evolution.
The Pūtātara (created from the conch shell of Tangaroa) was inspired by a treasured Tonoga of Ricki Porter- Samuals whanau, an instrument carved by Ricki to celebrate his parents 30th wedding anniversary. We have included this to honour both Ricki's craftsmanship and his role as a kaiako. It also places love and whanau as the central motif in the mural.
The students of the Rangatahi Learning Centre embellished each element by first drawing it, then digitalising it. The digital image was then laser cut, carved, painted and then recarved. The mural represents months of their intensive work creating this piece for their community.
Mentor artist: Ricki Porter- Samuals, Ruth Robertson-Taylor and Ian Taylor
Rangatahi Learning centre artist: Ruamana Walker, Jahkaya Awatere, Mary-Jae Olson-Kairangaroa, Tayla Puha-Smith, Krushey Waimotu, Paris Kerehoma, Jdarre Solderholm, Aaliyah Babbington, Zahbian Pirimona and Domynic Mccarthy.