16 Apr 2019Levin Intermediate, winners of the Intermediate School Category of Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s (KNZB) Wall Worthy Competition 2018, were excited to unveil the completion of their award-winning mural recently. Levin Intermediate’s mural, which was designed by the students, centres around the school’s logo to illustrate how the many cultures of the school and local community are all intertwined. Big bold words aim to communicate the message that by attending school children gain matauranga (knowledge). This word can be seen alongside the school motto ‘Tu tangata’ which means to ‘stand tall’ and the school values; respectful, resilient and responsible. In their submission, the school said the mural will brighten up an area of the school and provide a positive community and cultural message. They wanted students to be able to enjoy and value the experience of turning this student created design into a real mural for all to see. “The creation of the mural was a fantastic experience to oversee with our students who helped bring it to life. It was also wonderful to feel the excitement and enthusiasm grow within the school as it got closer to its completion. We are all truly happy with how it turned out and know it will be enjoyed in our school for many years to come. Thank you to all the sponsors and organisers who made this vision possible,” says Project Coordinator Kelly Moore. Levin Intermediate’s completed mural. Now in its 9th year, KNZB’s Wall Worthy Competition is a community-based design competition that is aimed at eliminating and preventing graffiti vandalism, while at the same time enriching the urban landscape with murals that celebrate local communities and their stories. Schools were asked to submit mural designs that illustrated what makes their town or school unique. Finalists were selected from five different categories – Early Childhood Centre, Primary, Intermediate, Secondary School and Community and Youth Group – and winners chosen via public vote. Winning designs received an electronic prize, along with a $750 Resene voucher and other paint materials to bring their designs to life. KNZB CEO, Heather Saunderson says that KNZB is proud to partner with Resene again this year to deter vandalism and ‘Paint New Zealand Beautiful’. “Research shows us that there is a marked reduction in tagging when murals, reflective of the local community, are used to replace graffiti vandalised walls. The Wall Worthy Competition is a great way to not only enhance our urban environment, but to also bring our local communities together and create a strong sense of pride.” Winners of the 2018 Wall Worthy Competition were Arataki Kindergarten, Riverlands Primary School, Levin Intermediate, Waitakere College and He Whanau Marama Charitable Trust. Share this page