Recognize that huge pukeko? This is Joel Nicholls’ award-winning mural “Water, Water, Water Everywhere”. The Water, Water, Water Everywhere Mural stands proudly across from the New World carpark in Howick. Auckland artist Joel Nicholls unveiled it in December 2021.
Joel was one of ten winners in Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s Resene Nature Murals Competition 2021. The Resene Nature Murals Competition is part of the Paint New Zealand Beautiful programme. It runs annually from April to June. Community members submit mural designs. The designs include an environmental message for a wall in their local community.
Artists from around the country send in their designs. The top ten murals are selected. Selection is based on their environmental message. Enhancement of the community and originality are also considered. Winners have 12 months to bring their mural to life. Winning designs receive a $1000 grant upon completion. They also receive a $750 Resene paint voucher and other materials.
The Water, Water, Water Everywhere Mural depicts a huge pukeko. It is set against a blue water background. The pukeko is trying to drink from a bottle. Joel took inspiration from the saying “Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink”. He wanted to convey that while water may be available, it’s not always clean or drinkable.
Keep New Zealand Beautiful CEO Heather Saunderson said the Nature Murals Competition is getting more popular every year. This was the fifth year they ran the competition in partnership with Resene. They were overwhelmed with the quantity and quality of entries. She also said they know the benefits of beautification of public spaces. They are always excited to see these murals come to life.
Other winning artists included Brigita Mana Botma from Auckland. Corey Harbrow from Christchurch also won. Denise Fort from Raglan and Deow Owen from Waianiwa were also winners. Faye Chadburn from Tauranga and Jennifer Corbett from Taranaki were winners too. Louie Zalk-Neale from Wellington, Mark Noble from Rotorua, and Stanley Mans from Hastings also won.
So next time you’re in Howick take a moment to appreciate Water, Water, Water Everywhere Mural. Think about its message of water conservation and the importance of clean water for all. It is a beautiful and thought-provoking addition to the community.