After receiving a range of diverse proposals, the judges have deliberated, and an artist has been selected to commission a new mural in the heart of Whakatāne CBD.

Whakatāne took out the ‘Most Beautiful Towns & Cities Supreme Award 2021’, and to acknowledge this achievement, Whakatāne District Council was provided the opportunity to commission an artist to paint a mural in the town; the chosen spot, a blank wall outside Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi / Whakatāne Library and Galleries.

Council is delighted to announce local artist Maurice van Liempd’s design has been selected with planning now underway for the transformation of the area.

General Manager Community Experience, Georgina Fletcher, says it was a tough call for those on the judging panel.

“The mural will be a long-lasting reminder of our communities’ collective efforts in taking out Supreme at the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards and will also serve as a constant reminder of the need to keep striving to keep our slice of paradise beautiful, so it was important we got this right.” 

Georgina adds, “The mural will provide life and colour to the well-used walkway, so it was vital we selected a design which truly reflected the brief and incorporated the themes of sustainability and environment.”

“Maurice’s proposal did just that, and with its vibrancy and colour it will enhance the space in a unique way and contribute to Whakatāne CBD becoming even more beautiful, encouraging more foot traffic to the area and raising the profile of the area.”

Meanwhile Mr van Liempd says he’s pleased to have the opportunity to remind everyone of the responsibility we have to care for our environment.

“My aim is to make the area more attractive as well as to instil a ‘subliminal’ message about the impressive landscape surrounding our town and the need to take care of what we have.” 

“We should all do our bit to nurture our beautiful environment by leaving it as it is and perhaps even restoring it to how it was.”

“The design shows we are surrounded by green, natural shapes, sometimes with dark clouds and wind blowing over, sometimes with blue skies. The ocean can be heard and seen in the background, always changing.”

Council extends its thanks to all who submitted applications for the mural design.