Mural beautifies exchange
Awanui’s most prominent building has been transformed from paint peeling to appealing, thanks to a partnership between Chorus, Te Hiku Open Spaces Revitalisation Project and an upand-coming artist.
In a community art initiative driven by Suzie Clark, a project manager for Te Hiku, the aim is to beautify the area of Kaitaia, Awanui and Ahipara with funds from the Government’s Shovel Ready Fund.
Clark has worked with local young aspiring artists and local businesses to complete five art pieces in the Awanui area over the last few years.
The Chorus Exchange is now the home to a new large-scale mural designed and painted by young aspiring artist Cody Paparoa, whose design was inspired by the history of Awanui.
Paparoa’s design replaced an old existing mural that’s paint was beginning to peel and so was looking tired.
“We approached Chorus about using the wall of the exchange building for a new mural, as it is the most prominent wall in all of Awanui. Visually it can be seen. We were thrilled to get the green light to go ahead,” Clark says.
“We ran a workshop with one of the local schools about the history of Awanui and Cody just stood out as an amazing artist to me. I approached him about creating some art for Awanui and he just jumped at the opportunity.”
The mural depicts the kaitiaki (guardians) of Awanui, which are predominantly birds. Local mother-and-son artists Kiri and Grayson Clark mentored Paparoa along the way. Paparoa intends on going to art school.
“This project, thanks to the Shovel-Ready Fund has really opened the door for many of our young aspiring artists, as has the Chorus Cabinet Art Programme. These community art initiatives have given our young artists the opportunity to show their talent and they’re now getting offers to do more,” Clark says.
The project will be wrapping up in November with five more designs still to be completed around Awanui, but with covid delays and issues getting supplies it will be a hard push to the finish.
Two deaths at a Far North home are suspected to be a case of murder-suicide.
Eric Peita and his long-time partner Melanie were found dead at a rural property in Panguru, in north Hokianga, on Tuesday last week.
The pair had not been seen by family for several days.
A police source said their deaths were the focus of an ‘‘active homicide investigation’’.
Detective Inspector Kevan Verry said a scene examination had been completed at the property and a ‘‘post-mortem examination will now take place’’.
Police were not seeking anyone else in connection with the couple’s deaths.
‘‘This is an incredibly tragic incident for the families involved, and we extend our sympathies to them at this time,’’ Verry said.
Anyone with information which could assist the investigation should call police on 105 quoting the file number 220322/0957.