Katikati – mural town
Every town and settlement in New Zealand has its history. Together, they form the story of our people, of Maori and Pakeha. In Katikati you can see that history everyday, not in a gallery or a museum, but by walking down the main street.
The region's first settlers were early Maori voyagers, first Ngaiterangi and then Ngati Ranginui. Their descendants still live in the three marae of Te Rereatukahia, Tahawai and Otawhiwhi.
In 1875 George Vesey Stewart brought the first party of Irish settlers to Katikati, the only planned Ulster settlement in the world. 34 families cleared the land, planted crops, and built their homes. A second party arrived in 1878, giving a total of 600 settlers.
In 1990, at a time when Katikati was facing an economic downturn, a group of volunteers decided to lift the spirits of the local community and to attract visitors by painting the unique town history on the walls of the town.
Katikati Open-Air Art Inc. was formed, and is responsible for the many murals, sculptures, carvings and weaving in the town.
Every second year Katikati holds a mural festival.
Winning murals from 2015:
Winning murals from 2013
In 2013 Renee Te Pairi from Auckland won the mural festival and for the first time she also took out the 'People's Choice' Award and the 'Spirit of Katikati' Award, an award presented by the organising committee. Second place went to Karen Lawson from Tauranga, with a 'Highly Commended award to Pat Williams from Katikati.
Second place – painted by Karen Lawson
Highly Commended – painted by Pat Williams
A selection of murals from 2011
The 2011 winner – painted by Alex McLeod
Second place – painted by Karen Lawson
People's Choice winner 2011 – painted by Mark Spijkerbosch
Winners from the 2008 festival, proudly supported by Resene, were:
The 2008 winner
Second place 2008
Winners from the 2006 festival, proudly supported by Resene, were:
The 2006 winner – painted by Chris Finlayson
People's Choice winner 2006 – painted by Roy Cunliffe
Spirit of Katikati Award 2006 – painted by Monika Welch
All murals were painted in Resene Lumbersider, a popular choice for muralists.
View more murals and find out about the Katikati Mural Contest and Art Festival on the Katikati Murals web site.
Information on Katikati mural town courtesy of the Katikati murals web site.