Visitors impressed by new MAZ artworks

13 June, 2022

Artists Sean Duffell and Thijs de Koning spent three days at the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) in Mangawhai Community Park a couple of weeks ago, adding a splash of colour and creativity to the space.

The pair created a new mural on the water tank and touched up existing artwork on the toilets, which had been damaged by graffiti.

The new water tank mural invites people to delve into a wild world of nature, animals, and fantastical creatures, while complementing the park’s environment.

Sean and Thijs were even able to incorporate original artwork that had mysteriously appeared on the tank after it was first installed.

“The water tank has a playful design which encourages the viewer to explore what's around the next bend,” says Sean.

“A colourful array of critters, animals, plants and even a dragon are hidden along the way. The jungle theme will be amplified by planting native grasses and shrubs around the tank in the future.”

The mural was funded through the Community and Engagement Placemaking budget.

Along with the colourful murals brightening up toilets and water tanks, MAZ also now features a stunning three metre totem pole carved by local sculptor Brett Sutherland.

Created out of locally sourced totara timber, the totem depicts a range of birds found around Mangawhai including (from the top down) a fairy tern, kingfisher, tui, pukeko, cormorant, spoonbill, two stingray and a few shells. Although protected with five heavy coats of protective CD50, the totem will silver over time with the conditions and will receive a blessing in the next few weeks.

MAZ chair Colin Gallagher says both the murals and totem pole look fantastic.

“Must admit I was a bit apprehensive about the murals but the guys did such an incredible job, especially the water tank which has come up absolutely brilliant, the artists are very clever,” he says. “We’re also in awe of Brett’s totem pole, he’s done a remarkable job, visitors to the park just go ‘wow’. Everybody who has seen MAZ’s new artwork is astonished at how clever these people are, including me.”

- ADDITIONAL REPORTING/JULIA WADE

From left, Sean Duffell and Thijs de Koning alongside in front of their murals at MAZ in the Mangawhai Community Park. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Sculptor and skater, Brett Sutherland, with his three metre totara masterpiece, now proudly standing tall at MAZ skate park. PHOTO/SUPPLIED