The top of the mural acknowledges the five iwi of Muriwhenua, the black depicting the night. The bottom portrays the culture, traditional knowledge and connection that Maori children have with their ancestors to Papatuanuku — Earth Mother.
"If [youth] knew all the knowledge they have is actually in their blood through heritage, and it just needs to come out, then a lot of positive changes would happen in their lives and for our community," Miriama said.
The rising marama (moon) contains a tiki, had already sparked many conversations, some people associating it with cultural diversity, others seeing patterns representing messages from the Bible.
Youth Navigator and project manager Te Hauroa Tawhara sees much more than a mural though.
"A rebirth of a community is happening — from darkness (poverty, depression, crime) to the light (understanding, prosperity and happiness) and for Shine on Kaitaia. It is fitting that the central area of Kaitaia is where this light will shine brighter and the positivity and love for our community shines outwards to reach all families throughout the Far North," she said.
"Before the community clean-up and the first mural, we had to pick up dumped rubbish and alcohol almost every week, and it looked ugly. It was embarrassing. Volunteers and the Bluelight team had to white-out graffiti all the time, but now there's no dumped rubbish and no graffiti on the walls — and it's looking way better. I'm proud of what it looks like now."
The front of the old supermarket will provide another opportunity for colour and positive imagery. Local taa moko artist Raniera McGrath, from Moko Kauri, has offered to design the next mural, with eager young collaborators.
He said he was looking forward to handing down his knowledge at a mural workshop, with young artist Hine Waitai also giving time to the project. Derek Ashley and the Arotahi Group of Te Rarawa Anga Mua will be leading a graffiti art session with local artists to engage as many youth as possible to develop their skills in street art.
Shine on Kaitaia's goal is to see both walls completed by December 15, in time for a community blessing and the Santa Parade.
Any businesses or organisations that would like to donate to the trust for more paint for the next stage is invited to do so.
"More paint will create more positive spaces for our community," Ms Tawhara said. She thanked everyone who had already contributed, including Onsite Access, the Ministry of Youth Development, Te Hiku Community Board, Resene and Keep NZ beautiful competition organisers, Kaitaia Fish 'n Chip Shop, First National, Kaitaia Coin Save and others.
"We are thankful to all those who support the trust's efforts to reduce crime, vandalism and loitering in our town, a small contribution we are making alongside many other positive initiatives of various groups and services in the community, including the 24-hour police patrols, all helping to build a safer and happier town for us all," she said.
Check out photos of artists and supporters in action on the Shine on Kaitaia Facebook Page.
