Sunset Primary School, unveils award winning mural in Rotorua

Sunset Primary School in Rotorua has unveiled their award-winning mural, titled ‘Ki Tua’ (Seek Beyond) as one of ten winners in Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s Resene Wall Worthy Competition 2021.

The mural was painted by artist Taumata Solomon with both the students and community consulting on the design. Located on the wall of the school hall, the mural portrays an empowering message for students highlighting the journey their ancestors made and encouraging them to pursue excellence, just as their ancestors did – ‘If I can dream it, I can realise it’.

Principal Eden Chapman says, “As our playground is open to the community outside of school hours it is very important that we provide an attractive environment that everyone is invested in keeping beautiful. The mural depicts three powerful Māori and Polynesian male role models for our students to admire. Our ākonga love their culture, basketball and music and they love our mural. We are so delighted to have an amazing piece of artwork from Taumata Soloman for our tamariki and community to enjoy.”

The Resene Wall Worthy Competition, which is part of the Paint New Zealand Beautiful programme, ran from February to April 2021, with schools, early childhood centres and youth groups around New Zealand asked to submit a mural design which celebrated their local history or a nature conservation theme, which could then be painted in their local community.

From all of the submissions received, 15 designs were chosen as finalists and put to public vote at the start of April. Over 6,900 votes were received, and the 10 winners were chosen. The winning schools receive a $750 Resene voucher for paint and materials, a drop cloth and high vis vests as well as a donation of $500 for murals completed by the end of Term 4, 2021.

Keep New Zealand Beautiful CEO, Heather Saunderson says, “Every year we look forward to running this programme. With the support of Resene, we’ve seen our Wall Worthy Competition definitely growing in popularity. This year it’s been very inspiring to see the calibre of mural designs from schools, early childhood centres and community groups from around the country, each showcasing either their local heritage or an environmental message. Research shows the positive impact mural art has on surrounding communities – from increasing civic pride to reducing anti-social behaviour such as littering and graffiti. Congratulations Sunset Primary School on completing your mural – we love to see the winning entries come to life and your little part of New Zealand painted beautiful.”

The ten Resene Wall Worthy Competition winners and regions are listed below, and their designs can be viewed here.

• Arapohue School, Dargaville – ‘Be Kind to Bees’
• Awapuni School, Gisborne – ‘Our Place – Turanga-nui-a-Kiwi’
• Coromandel Area School, Coromandel Town – ‘Coromandel Treasures’
• Little Peppertree Preschool, Rangiora – ‘Whiria Te Tangata’
• Levin Intermediate, Levin – ‘Save the Planet’
• Kaiapoi High School, Kaiapoi – ‘Belonging Matters’
• North Street School, Fielding – ‘Keep the Pacific Alive’
• Rosebank School, Auckland – ‘Te Whau’
• Sunset Primary School, Rotorua – ‘Ki Tua’ (Seek Beyond)
• Wairoa Primary School Junior Syndicate, Wairoa – ‘Papa & Rangi

Sunset Primary School – Ki Tua (Seek Beyond)