Mural mooted for ‘eyesore’ Waitara watertank
A colourful makeover is on the agenda for an ‘‘eyesore’’ watertank at one of Waitara’s most picturesque places.
The design concept of teacher and artist Michael Montgomerie got the thumbs up from the Waitara community board at its May meeting, after it was presented by elected member Joe Rauner.
Montgomerie’s mural would educate visitors about the environment and fishing culture connected to the area.
One element of the final design, which will be created in consultation with iwi and hapū, will be a fish hook.
This is a way to symbolise the importance of Māori people to Aotearoa and also the relationship tangata whenua have with tangaroa (the sea), Montgomerie’s pitch said.
In his report, Rauner described the water tank as an ‘‘eyesore’’ and he asked for support from the rest of the board to beautify it by way of Montgomerie’s artistic efforts.
He said the funding required to paint the mural was about $39,000.
Montgomerie’s career painting murals spanned 35 years and his work can be admired, in California, London, Dubai and the Gold Coast.
After he made the move back home to Waitara to live permanently, Montgomerie said he immediately spotted opportunities around the town where his creative skills could be put to good use.
Turning the water tank into a work of art was one of many ideas he came up with. Another was to create a gallery of faces depicting sports stars with ties to Waitara.
If his water tank mural idea won the necessary funding, he estimated it would take about two months to complete. He also hoped to enlist Waitara schoolchildren to help with the painting in some way.
Rauner’s report was noted by the community board and New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) officers were tasked with investigating ways to fund the mural.
Meanwhile, work continues regarding the extensive redevelopment plans for the entire Marine Park site.
The park’s revamp will include new landscaping and playground, as well as the installation of barbecues for community use.