A Secret World, by Lotte Hawley, 2020

Lotte Hawley created the mural titled ‘A Secret World’ which is featured in the town square showing a curious young girl pushing open a bookcase where learning, discovery, and history are stacked to reveal a glimpse of our greatest treasure, Taranaki Maunga. The artist researched the view of the mountain from the centre of town, taking great care to capture its unique angle.   Hāwera’s history and strengths in literacy are represented in the bookcase, community groups were invited to submit a book title that adequately reflected them, perhaps a past founder or key figure in history. As a result, there are incredible tributes and memorabilia included from a wide selection groups including ‘Ko Te Kupu Te Ōra’ by Ngāti Ruanui, ‘I Want to Ride my Bicycle’ by Mike Seaver, and ‘Came a Hot Friday’ by Ronald Hugh Morrieson. The mural was commissioned by Bizlink Hāwera.