Mauao's new mural

Mr G's mural on Mauao's water tank will be completed today. Photo/Facebook

Tauranga artist known as Mr G is putting the finishing touches to a mural on Mount Maunganui today.

Graeme Hoete, or Mr G, has painted a mural on Mauao's water tank to show his support for members of Tauranga-based iwi Ngai Te Rangi.

The iwi was involved in protests on the harbour earlier this month against accepting any Crown deal giving rights to Tauranga Moana to a Hauraki collective of iwi and hapu.

Mr G is half-way through the mural and expected to have it completed this afternoon.

The finished project will be celebrated with a flash haka performed by three iwi on Mauao at 2pm. Local kaumatua (elders) will lead the unveiling of the mural with a karakia (prayer).

The Tauranga artist had been painting murals around the country and the word. He was in Tauranga for about three days to complete the mural to support Ngai Te Rangi.

"It is about guardianship and being caretakers of our land," said Mr G.

"For me as a local artist to be able to paint on Mauao is amazing, Mauao is my maunga, my mountain.

"It is another way of helping getting the mana whenua (authority over land) message out. This is going to be epic."

Strategic Maori engagement manager Carlo Ellis said Tauranga City Council was approached by Ngai Te Rangi about painting a mural on Mauao earlier this month.

"Mr G had offered to do this as a Koha for the Iwi. Ngai Te Rangi has worked with the Mauao Trust and council to make the project happen.

"We are proud to have a world-renowned local artist offering his skills to the fabric of our city."