Walking along the waterfront, which is usually quiet at 6:30 a.m. on a Sunday, I was surprised by a sudden burst of activity. The event that would disrupt the tranquillity of the day for city dwellers was Children’s Day, an initiative by our city council to attract more visitors while infrastructure upgrades were underway.
What an excellent way, if not a calculated way, to entice families to explore our inner city environment with fun activities. It inspired me to explore the city centre to see the latest street art instead of taking my usual route around the estuary. I wasn’t disappointed; I discovered a few artistic distractions, though I will focus on one mural that caught my eye while maintaining a brisk pace between each stop.
A project was put out to artists to create a space to tell their stories of the inspiring women who call, and have called, Tauranga home.
This image created by Rhianna May was her first mural, and she described it as a different experience and one challenge she loved creating.
Hidden down Waihirere Lane, you will find Rhianna’s mural honouring actress Teuila Blakely, who grew up in Tauranga. She was inspired by Teuila’s acting prowess and her advocacy for female empowerment and resilience.
May’s objective was to illustrate ideas of strength, pride, and power; she hopes someone sees that and feels uplifted by it.
She succeeded with that objective as it certainly uplifted my morning walk.
Life at No. 22 
Now you’ve got me wanting to follow the children’s path! That mural is striking. Has there been a big uptake, Suzanne?
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I thought the children’s day activities looked fun and yes I would’ve gone down that path to bang a few nails into wood 🙂 Uptake?
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On the spaces available for murals. Did you find a few? This one is beautiful xx
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Jo, I’m a bit slow this morning. Yes, there are a few more and a Street Art Festival coming up which I will endeavour to capture more then. As they say, watch this space xx
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Thanks, sweetheart xx
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These are wonderful.
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It is lovely and wonderful, Martha.
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How beautiful! The new development sounds wonderful too, ticking a lot of boxes.
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The murals add a lovely distraction to the construction. Having a vision of what our city will be in years to come needs patience. Plus, it’s for the following generations who will benefit not so much us.
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That face does project a look of strength and power.
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I’m sure that is exactly how the artist wanted her to be viewed.
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It’s an excellent mural. It has presence.
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Agreed, Neil, she does have presence, lovely, and striking.
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Looks like a lot of money is being spent in Tauranga. The mural is fab, but what struck me is that you only get 5 mins to unload!
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Haha, quick as down in NZ. I’m sure it’s ignored most days.
Yes, a significant amount of money is being put into Tauranga and a few poorer rate payers 🙄
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I was going to ask where the money was coming from.
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Government and local land owners. As usual with most countries there is never enough money for all those items on the wish list.
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Fantastic mural. The artist certainly achieved their objective.
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I agree.
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