The Pukekohe Mural Project.

Shifting community through art

The creation of beautiful public artworks that depict te ao Maori where all things are connected and inter-related, can help us to heal as a community and further break the taboo that has sat over our town like a dark cloud.  For only by acknowledging the past, can we move into the future.

These murals are here to inspire all our kids – Māori AND Non Māori.  Having our kids working on a mural means that together they learn about our history – the good, the bad and the ugly.  The mural project specifically teaches them how to respond to this history through art, and to achieve this they are mentored by some of the best Māori artists in Aotearoa.

A local histories tour for schools and whaanau

These murals are intended to promote education, healing and unity with the added benefit of being a unique learning opportunity for students. The art honours tangata whenua and projects the vision of looking back to look forward for a harmonious future for everyone in the town.

Matariki 2024:

Thursday 4th and Friday 5th July 2024, celebrating Matariki in Pukekohe. There will be a fun and informative walk around Pukekohe viewing our beautiful murals!

The hiikoi being led by our very students at Pukekohe High School and with mana whenua. This is the first time we will be doing this in Pukekohe, so come along, bring a torch and be inspired!

Click here to get access to the script from the night

  • "This mural, all our murals make our town feel inviting and welcoming"

    YR 13 Student

  • "I love the positive community vibe these murals bring to the town"

    Yr 12 Student

  • "I thought it was cool everyone could get involved, it wasn't just for Maaori. But I love how it has a Maaori narrative"

    Yr 13 Student

  • "Knowing the history of our town, people back then were relentless"

    Yr 12 Student

  • "To me these murals show co-operation. I'm happy our people are getting out there and that they are co-operating with other people"

    Yr 12 Student

  • "These murals are like we have a positive voice, when I walk past these murals I feel proud"

    Yr 12 Student

  • "I think these murals are awesome, it gives Pukekohe its own branding. It's important to know history and its important for Māori to be heard"

    Yr 11 Student

  • "I enjoyed working on this because I got to use my creative skills and I got to work with a artist"

    Yr 10 Student

  • "I tell all my whānau I helped paint that...I tell everyone"

    Yr 10 Student

If you are a teacher in Franklin or just want a little bit more of information…

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