H2O Xtream Teen Board brighten up Maoribank Park in Upper Hutt

The H2O Xtream Teen Board has worked collaboratively with Upper Hutt City Council and Hutt Valley Artist Chimp to spruce up an area of Maoribank Park with a vibrant new mural.

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 11 FEB 2016— A new mural installed in Maoribank Park is a massive success in both its visual impact to the area and the collaborative team effort between Upper Hutt City Council and the city’s youth.

The mural project was made possible through the Ministry of Youth Development’s Youth Partnership Fund. The aim of the Youth Partnership Fund is to support young people in our community to develop skills, knowledge, and experience to participate confidently in their communities.

H2O Xtream’s Teen Board was approached by Upper Hutt City Council to work on the mural project because the members represent youth living in multiple suburbs across Upper Hutt.

“The young people really enjoyed being part of this project, it was awesome to see their involvement in the project from start to finish and how excited they were with the end product.” says Loren Marine, H2O Xtream Teen Board Coordinator.

The Teen Board members were involved in both the planning and installation of the mural. With support from Council officers, the Teen Board obtained legal permission for the mural from the site owner. Additionally they surveyed local residents to understand what they would like to see depicted in the mural. The majority of residents surveyed requested that elements of nature, Upper Hutt, rugby, and Māori culture feature in the mural. Some residents commented on graffiti vandalism occurring in the area and supported the mural installation in hopes that it would deter graffiti vandalism.

The Teen Board members used this feedback to inform the mural design. Next they worked collaboratively with Hutt Valley artist Chimp and Council officers to identify materials required, health and safety considerations, and other factors that would lead to the successful installation of the mural. Chimp and the Teen Board members successfully installed the mural at Maoribank Park on 27 January 2016.

“The completed mural is a vibrant new addition to Maoribank Park, it is a testament to the talent, determination and hard work demonstrated by the group,” says Council’s Community Development Advisor, Denise Johnson.

The mural can be seen from Maoribank Park, its surrounding fields, the children’s playground, the Rugby Clubrooms, and State Highway 2.

Special thanks to H2O Teen Board members for their work on this project: Adriana Brabyn, Billy Davis, Sam Kirkaldie, Lydia Johnson-Walker, Tyrese Needham, Arthur Pilcher, Heidi Waterman, and Angelo Winter-Robati.

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