Behold the vibrant colours of the Two Pukeko Mural. It’s a masterpiece isn’t it?
This stunning artwork adorns a pump station in Amey Daldy Park Wynyard Quarter. It’s part of a larger project celebrating New Zealand’s native birds. The mural named Mai i ngā maunga ki te moana meaning from the mountains to the sea is a testament to the interconnectedness of nature.
The Two Pukeko Mural wasn’t painted overnight. Mana whenua artists Janine and Charles Williams painstakingly created it. Their work is 12 metres high and spans 16 metres. It showcases twelve native birds each facing its natural habitat. Did you notice the pukeko are among the birds depicted? These striking purple swamphens are truly captivating.
The mural wasn’t just a splash of paint on concrete. It reflects the physical location of the pump station. Its colours and design mirror the local environment. It’s a beautiful example of how art can blend seamlessly with its surroundings. The artists consulted with mana whenua ensuring cultural sensitivity in every brushstroke. This isn’t just a pretty picture it’s a mindful and intentional work.
Eke Panuku commissioned the mural. They partnered with mana whenua as part of Wynyard Quarter’s redevelopment. Auckland Transport played a role too delivering Amey Daldy Park. The pump station itself is an award-winning feat of engineering completed in 2018. The mural elevates this functional structure into a piece of public art.
So next time you’re near Wynyard Quarter take a moment to appreciate the Two Pukeko Mural. It’s a celebration of New Zealand’s biodiversity and a beautiful example of collaborative artistry. It reminds us that we must be kaitiaki guardians of our natural environment. The vibrant birds and their intricate detail will leave a lasting impression on your heart. It’s more than just a mural; it’s a story of connection. A reflection of our shared responsibility to protect the precious taonga of Aotearoa.