Pirimai park gets graffiti-proof mural

L-R Maree Leatherby, Richard Catley both Pirimai residents association, Maxine Boag, NCC councillor, Ryan Ruhi, artist, Allan Berry reserve, Pirimai, Napier in front of the mural Ryan painted. 26 Nov

One of Napier's newest parks has taken another step in uniting local residents, with the addition of a bright, new graffiti-proof mural.

Pirimai artist Ryan Ruhi said it took him about four days to paint a mural on the wall of the basketball court at Allen Berry Reserve.

The concept behind the design was of residents coming together.

"Pirimai in Maori means to come together as one. Not a lot of people know that but it's pretty fitting for a communal piece. It's all about promoting positivity in the area."

A graffiti shield, paid for by Resene and Geary Painting ,had also been applied to the finished mural, which would mean any graffiti would wash off with water.

"That was a really big deal. We didn't expect it. It was really nice of them."

The materials and paint used were paid witha $500 grant from Keep Napier Beautiful.

The grant was awarded after an application was put forward by the Pirimai Residents Association.

The installation of the basketball court and wall was instigated by former councillor Mark Hamilton and funded by the council.

Keep Napier Beautiful chairwoman Maxine Boag said the grant was funded through the organisation's annual November recycling day, which this year took place at Anderson Park.

Pirimai Residents Association spokesman Richard Catley said it was an "awesome" gesture.

"It's another advance in trying to build this park."

Mr Catley said the basketball court, which was installed last year, was a very popular attraction for children of all ages.

The park has been in place since 2009, after a request from the residents' association.
While no rates funding was allocated for the project, it went ahead anyway.

The council has helped with the design, providing rubbish bins and seats and planting trees while the association raised $31,000 for the first two stages of the four-stage project to go ahead.