“These murals are intended to promote education, pride and unity”

Te Whaka Kitenga - The Vision

Jimmy James Kouratoras (Ngaati Tiipa, Tainui and Crete)

In this mural there is reference to Tane Mahuta, the first hei tiki. There are connections with te Reo Maaori and cuisenaire rods, there is whakapapa, Princess Te Puea, there is King Taawhio the male element and the teachings of te Wheke. The emphasis on that is to have real strong male and female energy in the work.

Completed in June 2022

Film by Year 10 Art Student Rhen Pressnell 2022

Jimmy James Kouratoras

The essence of these images have come from an idea of learning, inclusiveness and whanaungatanga. Te Ao Māori has a lot to offer the town of Pukekohe if they just look a little deeper.”

Jimmy James Kouratoras is a contemporary visual artist from Aotearoa, New Zealand. His focus over the past decade has been to draw upon the experience of his 25-year-long film career as a scenic artist and use this to develop a broad storytelling palette.

His work today reflects his strong Indigenous connection and also the inherent knowledge of his ancestors. His paintings draw upon how his cultural heritage (and their respective pantheon of gods) enhance the spiritual facets of his work and actively contribute to a shared social consciousness that emanates through all his works.

“I choose living Indigenous methodologies and practices such as karakia (prayer) rongoa (medicine) carving, the colloquial form and texture of Indigenous architecture, creation stories and ritual as my guiding sources. In drawing upon these traditional resources, my works are seen as contemporary artworks that are in conversation with our current socio-political concerns.”

For more information on Jimmy: https://www.artbykouratoras.com/

A few words from the organiser on the morning of the karakia lead by Ngaati Tamaoho

Kia ora all, 

My name is Catherine Tamihere, two years ago, while training to be a teacher at Pukekohe High School, I came across No Maori Allowed by Robert Bartholomew.  The book opened my eyes.  Not long ago, Franklin was a segregated society where Maori were treated as second-class citizens – like not being able to go to the barber, only being able to swim on the day the dirty water would be changed, and having allocated toilets in town.  The living conditions at the market gardens where they were forced to stay in fear of losing their jobs, led to the deaths of hundreds of Maori children.

In talking with our students and the community, it is evident that the impact of this history is still being felt.  Elements of racism and segregation are still prevalent within the Franklin community.

I felt that – if only our rangatahi – our youth, and the community could listen to these stories, there would be understanding, empathy and a realisation as to why there is still an undercurrent of division. 

Last year, we arranged for Robert to talk at the Town Hall.  This was the first time the histories of injustice had been publicly acknowledged in this town in a public forum.  The talk – and reaction to it, was dignified, respectful – even unifying.

That Sunday, we marched down King Street in a ‘Hikoi for Harmony’ to raise awareness and bring the community together.   We did it to acknowledge the past, but to also say – we can do better.  At the Hikoi, I was asked, ‘What’s next?  How can we continue this Kaupapa?  And the Mural Project was born.

The vision of this project is to dismantle the racism in our community by educating through art. The creation of beautiful public artworks that depict the te ao Maori world-view where all things are connected and inter-related, can help us to heal as a community and further break the taboo that has hung over this town like a dark cloud.  For only by acknowledging the past, can we move into the future. 

These murals will be a reminder for those who sit in positions of power, that we have a long way to go.  They are here to educate our children and community so that when our kids are in charge, they will understand partnership, participation and protection.  This is how we will dismantle racism. 

This mural is here to provoke thought, conversation and to learn something new outside our Facebook algorithms.  It is here as a resource to support what our children will be learning with New Zealand histories coming into the curriculum next year.  This mural, like the others to come, will be a walking history tour of local stories.

Our plan is to produce a series of murals depicting the past, present and future of Franklin. The mural which we are unveiling today is by Jimmy Korautoras and is the first in our series.

In Term 2, our art students got a history lesson from Robert to understand the context, then they heard from Jimmy about his art practice and how he uses painting to heal. 

A key principal of this project is to ensure that students of ALL backgrounds, learn without feeling blamed for the actions of their ancestors.  Getting them outside the classroom was a great way to get them involved with the community. They spoke to people and in answering questions, they relayed to them, what they had learnt.  They also had impromptu lessons about King Tawhiao and Princess Te Puea from a local Kuia.  This project has instilled pride in themselves and their community.

What we as a community have achieved here is monumental step forward.

We have a mural that celebrates Matauranga Maori, unity and pride for all, using the brightest colours that bring intrigue – fascination – & joy. 

What this mural has also achieved, is enabling discussion between; Māori and non-Māori, local youth, private business, council organisations, educational institutions, individuals and artists.  This project changes the hearts and minds of those it touches.  minds of all who see it.  And it will continue doing so.

As my Great Great Grandmother – Dame Whina Cooper once said –

“Take care of our children, take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of how they feel, for how our children grow, so will the shape of Aotearoa”.

 

Starting this project was not for faint-hearted.  And you have helped to turn the tide.

What happened in Franklin is no longer the elephant in the room. These organisations and individuals are the shinning stars of this project. 

Matekino Marshall, Ngati Tamaoho for your support this mural and project.  For starting it off on the right foot and merely mentioning your name when people would ask if I had the blessing of mana whenua.  It added weight and a whole lot of street credence.  Thank you for coming out this morning and for our unveiling. 

To Franklin Community Arts and the Local Franklin Board who had the foresight to provide us a grant.  It was a leap of faith to support this project in the early days.  Thank you for supporting such an important Kaupapa. 

A special shout out to Logan Soole and Stephen Bain who went above and beyond.  Sorting out processes, permissions, contracts & safety plans are not easy.  Thank you for your amazing problem-solving and for your time.

To Resene for sponsoring all our paint.  Thank you Karen, Stacey and the team in Pukekohe for being so kind and obliging.  Everyone – please go to Resene for your paint!

Thank you to the Youth Centre and Helen for saying yes!  ‘Absolutely no problem, paint over the wall!’

To Glenbrook Machinery – We were only supposed to have the scaffold for a week, but it turned into a month! 

Robert Bartholomew and your whanau, for all your mahi and your support to myself personally and our rangatahi.  Your research is what really set off these chain of events. 

To Pukekohe High School – Our Principal Richard Barnett, BOT, SLT, teachers and our support staff for your mahi, enthusiasm and continuing support, special mention for Jody and Donna.

To the Pukekohe Arts Department, which thinks BIG and acts on vision that transcends the gates of school.  Thank you, Vicky Moore-Allen for your leadership and guidance. Love your reminder ‘If you don’t feel small in a vision, then it’s not big enough’.  To my colleagues in our arts faculty for always putting our kids in the centre of everything we do.

Our Rangatahi Tyler, Daytona and our Year 10 Art students.  You are full of curiosity, wonder and enthusiasm.  I saw it – with my own eyes.  You worked harrrrd, were full of worry that you might not be good enough.  You are more than good enough.  You are our future, and what a beautiful future that looks like.  Remember this day and the impact you have made on the place you live in.  You inspire us & make us so proud. 

Jimmy James Kouratoras.  Thank you for your gift to our tamariki and Pukekohe.  It takes courage to be the first artist of this series.  When everyone said ‘No, you said Yes.’  And in doing so, you have given our community a shining light in the form of a mural.

Thank you all for coming out this morning and showing your commitment and care to our youth and the well being of our community.

No reira tena koutou, tena koutou, tena tatou katoa

Images by taken by Yr 13 Photography student Nyle Turuwhenua 2022

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