Local artists and tertiary art students have collaborated to create a new piece of large-scale art that celebrates the cultural diversity of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Students Nikita Sharma, Celia Lee and Jenny Zhong were chosen to design and paint one panel of the three-section mural after an invitation by Study Auckland.

The goal was to give international students the chance to work with renound artists Ross Liew, Hana Maihi of Ngati Whatua Orakei and Te Whetu Collective member Poi Ngawati and experience crafting public art.

The other two panels have been painted by Maihi and Ngawati to create awareness of the rich Māori heritage on which the city was founded.

The three panels depict the importance of welcoming different cultures in Tamaki Makaurau and Te Tōangaroa, an area spanning from the end of Britomart to The Strand.

The biodiversity that once characterised the cultural landscape of Te Tōangaroa and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s history as mana whenua of Tāmaki have also been highlighted in the mural design.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa cultural design executive Mei Hill said other Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei initiatives were planned to reinvigorate the cultural footprint of Te Tōangaroa.

“Sharing the journey of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei through art is just the beginning of how we intend to bring to life the masterplan for Te Tōangaroa. Our vision is a space where the people of Tāmaki can come together and enjoy and respect the culture and environment this city and its people have to offer,” Hill said.

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*To see a timelapse video of the mural being created from scratch, go here:

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