A faded community mural in Kawerau is set for restoration, with local students observing the original artist as he revives the artwork.
The mural on Tamarangi Drive was created about 15 years ago to celebrate the work of Keep Kawerau Beautiful and its environmental kaupapa.
Committee member Jonette Mead said the mural had deteriorated over time and its message was no longer clearly visible.
The current mural is faded from weathering and damaged by moisture in the wall. IMAGE // Marc Spijkerbosh
“The mural’s been around for about 15 years, and it is showing signs of wear and tear, so it’s quite faded,” Mead said.
“Worst of all, the Keep Kawerau Beautiful kaupapa or message or text is not that noticeable anymore, and we’re really proud of Keep Kawerau Beautiful and of Kawerau, so it needs some work.”
The restoration project has received funding through the Creative Communities Scheme administered by Kawerau District Council.
Mead said the original mural artist, Marc Spijkerbosh, would spend three days preparing and repainting the wall, beginning with sanding and repairing moisture damage to the concrete surface.
“The current paintwork will need quite a bit of prep,” she said.
The mural has also suffered damage over the years, including leaks and what Mead described as “a couple of gunshots”, which will be repaired as part of the project.
Spijkerbosh, who has previously worked on mural projects in Rotorua, said the artwork remained significant because it featured children from local families.
“The mural features children from local families, so it’s very special, and for a mural that has been weathering for some 15 years now, it has actually stood up quite well considering,” he said.
“However, it is time for a freshen up.”
Mead said Spijkerbosh will also introduce some 3D elements to the refreshed mural.
The refreshed mural will continue to emphasise the “Keep Kawerau Beautiful” message.
Mead said the original mural reflected the broader work of the volunteer group, which extended beyond litter collection into community support projects.
“The work that was done here centred a lot actually on providing firewood for people who were struggling to pay for loads of firewood,” she said.
“Part of the kaupapa of Keep Kawerau Beautiful is to help council when trees come down in storms.”
As part of the restoration, 10 senior art students from Kawerau South School will spend a day observing Spijkerbosh at work alongside their teacher, Whaea Jess Andrews.
Mead said involving students was important to making the mural a community-owned project.
“We wanted to make this a really community-owned restoration of the wall,” she said.
“We want people to notice it and go, ‘Oh my goodness, this is a Keep Kawerau Beautiful town.’”
The students have also completed their own mural concepts for Kawerau, which KKB plans to feature on its Facebook page in the coming weeks.
Mead said the school was chosen because of its strong environmental focus, including programmes aimed at reducing litter entering stormwater drains and waterways.
“Kawerau South School have a really sustainable skew within their curriculum,” she said.
“So we thought, right, there’s our target.”
Preparation work on the mural begins on Monday, with painting and restoration continuing through Wednesday.
A graffiti-resistant protective coating will also be applied to help preserve the mural from vandalism and sun damage.
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