How the Mural Project started…
The mural project is the third part of our response to the book “No Māori Allowed”, the first being the Author talk held in the Pukekohe War Memorial town hall, and the second being the Hiikoi for Harmony walk through the main street. All three of these responses came as a result of talking with our students and other members of the community, it was clear that the impact of this history is still being felt, and that divisive elements are still prevalent within the Franklin community.
From the discussions we had there was a lack of awareness from many about the stories detailed in No Māori Allowed, and we felt there was a need to respond to this dark history and an opportunity to respond creatively, and proactively could help bring people together and make choices for vision, honouring partnership in our present and near future.
Timeline of events
2020
Robert Bartholomew releases book “No Maori Allowed”
Catherine Tamihere is on practicum at Pukekohe High School when she finds out about the book and reads it
2021
Matua Timi Maipi calls a meeting at Huakina Trust about an apology to the people of Pukekohe, in attendance Andy Baker and Logan Soole from Local Franklin Board
Robert Bartholomew speaks at the Pukekohe Public Library after previously being turned away, Kindred Films approaches us to film the upcoming talk at the town hall.
Robert Bartholomew speaks at the Pukekohe War Memorial Town Hall, mc’d by Richard Naihi
Hīkoi for Harmony down the main street of Pukekohe - lead by Richard Naihi. this is where the mural project was born
Filming continues by Indie Films, now with funding from TVNZ
Franklin Arts supports funding for for a series of Murals
2022
Meeting about a potential apology with John Hutton, Richard Naihi attended by Timi Maipi, Phyllis Bhana, Pare Rauwhero, Massey Hiku, Catherine Tamihere, Robert Bartholomew and Jamila Bartholomew
We find an artist Jimmy Kouratoras and sponsors like Resene, and Glenbrook Machinery
Jimmy starts mural and part way through PHS rangatahi and Jimmy feature on TVNZ 1 The Breakfast Show with Matty Mclean
Blessing of mural by Mana whenua Ngaati Tamaoho and the mural is named “Te Whaka Kitenga - The Vision”
Robert Bartholomew and Catherine Tamihere co-write book “We dont cut Maaori Hair” - Art students from Pukekohe High School illustrate images
Another meeting about a potential apology with Local Franklin Board and Deputy Mayor Billcashmore
The TVNZ Documentary “No Maori Allowed” is released on channel 1 - Catherine Tamihere and Reikura Kahi on the breakfast show with Matty Mclean
Eke Panuku funds the next two Murals in Pukekohe
Martin Awa Clarke Langdon and Regan Balzer on board for the next murals
2023
Martin Awa Clarke Langdon completes mural at the end of March
Regan Balzer completes mural at the end of June
Blessing of murals by Matua Robert Clark and Matua Paora Puru
Pukekohe Mural Project is nominated as a finalist for the Canon Oceania Grant
Pukekohe High School and the Pukekohe Mural Projects wins the Education Section of the Canon Oceania Grant
2024
Nominated as a finalist for the Kumara Awards; Placemaking NZ
Pukekohe Mural Project/ Pukekohe High School paints a mural on the side of Pukekohe Kindergarten for their 70th Birthday
Matariki 2024 - Our murals are included as a Mural Night Walk Tour
Pukekohe Mural Project/ Pukekohe High School paints a mural at the new Pukekohe Railway Station. Opening in February 2025
Who is behind the project?
There are a big bunch of amazing teachers at Pukekohe High School who believe in the kaupapa. And there are many missing from this photo.
Front: Jessica Bluck (Current HOD ART Aorere College), Nea Brink (Dance), Jay Pressnell (Current HOD Art KINGS COLLEGE), Kylie Waitai (Aorere College Art), Martin Bennett (SLT), Esther Hansen (Art), Jennifer Stuart (Art), Vicky Moore-Allen (HOF Arts), Donna Tupaea (Deputy Principal at SIR EDMUND HILLARY COLLIGIATE), Jody Lafaele (Science), Catherine Tamihere (Art). Missing: Esperance Withers (Teacher Aide)
We are very grateful and honoured to have the support, guidance and encouragement from our kaumatua and kuia in Pukekohe.
Whaea Phyllis Bhana
Our amazing rangatahi from Pukekohe High School
Uncle Massey Hiku-McInnes
Whaea Renee Nelson
Whaea Materoa Kite
Whaea Tahana Waipouri-Voykovic
Kia ora,
My name is Catherine Te Reo-Tamihere and I am mama, a wife, an artist and a teacher. Since starting at Pukekohe High School in 2021 our tamariki and community have inspired us to create authentic learning opportunities with our kids to be inspired themselves to learn and create change in our community.
Mauri ora.
