Pink and White Terraces return

Rotorua artist Jacob Chrisohoou has been painting a mural on the the corner of Tutanekai and Pukuatua Sts. Photo/Stephen Parker

Rotorua's central city is set to be transformed by a colourful mural.

Local artist Jacob Chrisohoou and an Auckland artist known as Jonny4higher have started painting a large mural on the corner of Tutanekai and Pukuatua Sts as part of Rotorua's Inner City Revitalisation programme.

The artwork will depict Rotorua's historic Pink and White Terraces, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world until destroyed in the 1886 Tarawera eruption.

Rotorua's Inner City Focus Group chairman Mike Steiner said he was excited about the mural, which was likely to attract people to the city centre.

"This has been a few months in the planning, but the Pink and White Terraces mural will no doubt become a popular draw card for locals and visitors to the inner city," he said.

Rotorua District Council community arts officer Marc Spijkerbosch said the mural would form part of a sculpture trail that would help breathe life back into the heart of the city while telling stories of Rotorua's history.

Mr Chrisohoou and Jonny4higher's collaborative design was chosen from 12 submissions.

"Their work is really going to light up the middle of town and kick things into life. We're keen to keep the momentum going and we're currently looking at other sites to follow suit," Mr Spijkerbosch said.

Mr Chrisohoou said the pair's vision was to celebrate the Pink and White Terraces.

"People once travelled long and treacherous journeys to marvel at this miraculous attraction yet, sadly, nowadays very few people from outside our country would even be aware they ever existed. We imagine re-starting the conversation and bringing that awe-inspiring environment back into the minds of visitors and locals alike," he said.

The mural is expected to be completed next week.