Mural Masterpieces - Vine Street Carpark

Location:
Vine Street Carpark, Whangarei.

Team:
Dave Beazley and Trent Morgan.

Accessible to public:
Yes.

Mural theme:
Strength based messaging around family violence.

Background to mural creation:
This mural was a joint project between Ministry of Social Development, Arts Promotion Trust Northland and Whangarei District Council. Proposals were sought for the mural with the theme to be 'Strength based messaging around family violence'.

The black areas represent the negativity of family violence. We recognise that there is no silver bullet for preventing family violence but believe there are a number of factors that in combination can help to tackle the problem. A selection of words that we think are relevant are stencilled, in both English and Maori, onto the black areas. These include: Family/Whanau; Support/Tautoko; Wellbeing/Hauora.

The red forms that run throughout the mural represent the shapes that can be seen in the roofs of both Marae and Community Halls. Having a connection to a community or feeling part of a larger group/team/family is important in tackling family violence. Inside of these red forms are rays of light, symbolising hope and new beginnings.

The Kauri trees in the mural symbolise strength. Standing up tall and speaking out against family violence. Remaining steadfast like the proud Kauri of the North.

Many elements in the design are woven together, such as the water. This is symbolic of communities working together to tackle family violence. Strands on their own are weak but when woven together are very strong.

The overall theme of the design is nature. We think a connection/re-connection to the land and the natural environment can play a part in tackling family violence. There are spiritual and physical benefits of getting out and actively connecting with the environment. Hauora = Whanau Ora, Physical, Mental and Spiritual wellbeing = Family wellbeing.