Te Pou Herenga Tangata

Two prominent walls in Whangarei have been emblazoned with vibrant murals with private landlords encouraged to invest in public art.

Southbound traffic on State Highway 1 is now greeted by a striking textured tui design on the wall of Otaika Shops, painted by Te Ora Hou's Mike Tupaea, world champion graffiti artist and Aucklander Charles Williams and eight local youths.

More than 1500 people had been by to visit the work in progress.

"We're trying to start a conversation around what might inspire youth to pursue their passions," Mr Tupaea said.

"Someone took an interest in me when I was young ... and if it wasn't for that conversation, I might not be doing this kind of thing."

Te Ora Hou and Manaia PHO organised the "@ the wall" project, with local builders donating time and materials, and nearby shops putting on free food for artists and onlookers.

Information from: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/colourful-murals-a-community-effort/KTFJQTABOPTA673T6IPORCD6CU/