Live wire painters from a trio of colleges have left an indelible mark on panels of Natureland Wildlife Trust’s boundary fence. Aptly named, Kaitiakitanga, the resplendent mural trail on Hounsell Circle reflects the voices, hopes, and mana of our youth - a powerful call for unity, guardianship, and love of the land and all of its living beings.
The permanent collaborative project by Nayland College, Nelson College and Nelson College for Girls, and the trust was adorned on 20 September, and a crowd was soon marvelling at the animal and conservation artworks faster than pigeons in a park after breadcrumbs. Natureland educator Jazz Danis instigated the project with Nayland College environmental leader and Natureland volunteer Pagin Johansen to connect students, wildlife, and the wider community with the values the Tāhunanui centre espouses.
She says Kaitiakitanga beautified the once blank space and was a “gift” to the community.
“When it catches their eye, they’re more likely to look at it, read up about it, and then it doubles as an art exhibit experience for the students as well,” she says. “I’m amazed that [the students] covered every section that we have in the park, from domestic animals, exotic animals, native species, and our geckos and the tuatara because they’re obviously all important to conservation.”
