While it had been historically used by Ngāti He, the pattern told a story of the land that was significant to all three hapu, especially in its connection to the Kaitemako Stream, which ran through each hapu's traditional land and which the underpass overlooks.
The design has been printed on vinyl for easier cleaning and on individual panels - installed over five days - that could be removed and replaced.
Once completed, Maungatapu underpass will be a two-lane link between Welcome Bay and Turret roads underneath State Highway 29A and the Maungatapu roundabout.
Project manager John McCarthy said the surface of the underpass was being sealed this week, following the mural's installation.
"This striking mural is special to this area, and we'd like to thank Ngāi Te Ahi, Ngāti He and Ngāti Ruahine for working with us to share it with the people who will use this road and the shared walking and cycling path."
He said the next milestone for the project was the community open day scheduled for May 27.
People would be able to walk or cycle through the underpass before it opened to through-traffic, which would hopefully happen in mid-to-late June.
From there work will continue to complete connections with local roads, with the project expected to be fully finished in July, McCarthy said.
The estimated cost of the roading project was $45 million, according to the NZ Transport Agency.
Maungatapu underpass open day
- Sunday, May 27, 10am to 3pm
- Walk or cycle via the new overbridge and walkway from the Poike Rd and SH29A roundabout, or
- Park and ride - free buses from Waipuna Park on Kaitemako Rd and the Toi Ohomai campus on Windermere Dr
- There will be food and craft stalls, plus music and entertainment
- Competition to win an electric bike
- Free entry.
- Source: NZTA
