Mural Masterpieces - Marc Spijkerbosch and Moses Viliamu for Porirua City Council and Porirua Arts Council

Accessible to public:
Yes.

Mural theme:
‘Awarua’ the Taniwha who wanted to fly.

Background to mural creation:
It was time to spruce up a tired looking skatepark with a 3D artwork depicting the local Ngati Toa story of Awarua  the Taniwha who wanted to fly.  His friend Rereroa the albatross inspired the taniwha and encouraged him to fly.

Awarua was very determined and tried very hard but unfortunately he had some terrible crashes with his gigantic body creating holes in the landscape and creating several bays in Porirua’s harbour.  In one particularly bad crash he levelled the top of Mana Island and that is why it is flat on the top today.

Marc Spijkerbosch and the Porirua Arts council have listened to the Ngati Toa Rangitira to bring to life the possible look of the ancient Taniwha and have depicted him with his friend Rereroa as he makes one of his attempts to leave the waters of Porirua harbour.  Many of Porirua’s school students know this story well and they have already been using the artwork for inspiration to use in their own artistic interpretations of the story.