“Nei rā tō taenga, nāku te waimarie”

Located in the service lane (Bounty Lane) behind the Mount Maunganui Bakery.

Created for the 2020 Street Prints Mauao Festival.

1. Tell us about your mural.

The colours are inspired by the little sticks we used to use to learn Maori language back in the day. The phrase “Nei rā tō taenga, nāku te waimarie” means “You’ve arrived and I’m lucky to have you here.” It’s like an arrival; people find it and stumble upon it, and then the wall is welcoming them. And it’s in Maori because I feel like there’s not enough street art that has Maori language in it.

2. Why do you think it’s important to have art in public places?

I think we need it to disrupt the every day [life]. People who work nearby are like “woah!” when they come, so it’s a little reminder to look up I guess.

https://creativebop.org.nz/2020/01/street-prints-2020-artist-interviews/