Stalwart arts supporter there at The start of Katikati Mural Town
Joan Clarke marks 100th birthday with five generations of her family
Stalwart arts supporter Joan Clarke was among the small group to help bring about Katikati’s status as “mural town”. Now living in Mangateparu, Joan celebrated a century of life last month with five generations joining her for the occasion.
Her time in Katikati began in the 1960s. Soon after the Clarke clan moved here, she was part of the group visiting Canada to check out the history-laden murals that decorated Chemainus.
It had become a tourist attraction and from this the seed was sown the idea of doing something similar in Katikati.
A committee was formed and Katikati Mural Town was born — locals and tourists now enjoy the artwork of talented artists peppered throughout the town.
Joan and husband Les moved to Katikati in 1966 with children in tow to take on a 16-hectare dairy farm on the corner of Beach Rd and Marshall Rd (which is now Wills Rd).
Despite the busy home life, Joan always found time to be involved in the local community and arts scene. She joined Katikati Art Group and was president for many years.
Joan was convenor of the Katikati Craft and Mural Centre. She was also the instigator of the hanging baskets which adorn Main St.
Joan’s brother Geoffrey Fuller painted mural number 11, Central Motors, and mural number 21, Those Who Served, which is on the Katikati RSA and Citizens Club wall.
Les passed away in 1995, prompting Joan to subdivide the property. A developer bought one part of the land and Joan’s wish was for it to be named Shrewsbury Park, referencing the town where Les had lived before emigrating to New Zealand.
Joan now lives in a unit behind daughter Jill’s home.
“It has been wonderful, especially during the pandemic to be able to stay safely here. Jill and Ashley pick up anything I need from town and it is their constant loving care and attention for 17 years that has made sure I could greet everyone on my 100th birthday.”
She says her general health is good aside from “the usual ageing ailments”.
Joan says her 100th birthday was a wonderful occasion, seeing five generations together.
“You could say I’m just one of those very lucky oldies.”