Kārearea by Charles & Janine Williams, 2021

Whanganui Walls is a biennial street art festival that hosts world-leading street artists to create a vibrant open-air gallery for passers-by. Street artists, Charles (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi ) & Janine (Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāti Pāoa) Williams, were involved in Whanganui Walls 2021. Known for their large-scale mural commissions globally, the artists specialise in endemic flora & fauna themes. In describing this mural, the artists said,

“The Kārearea being a guardian or good omen pushes forward progressively everything it has learnt for the past into the present then the future. Its bold statement paints an image of forward movement something symbolically needed in these uncertain times we live in.

Kia Kaha Kia Maia Kia manawanui - be strong be steadfast be willing...”

Photo credit - Mark Brimblecombe