Rotorua Primary celebrate new mural

Rotorua Primary pupils are over the moon at the sight of their new mural.

Renowned street artists Charles and Janine Williams painted the mural on the side of the school gym last weekend putting in more than 20 hours of work on the 24m wide piece. It was blessed this week.

The mural portrays two tieke, also known as saddleback birds which relate to the Maori legend of Maui, as well as the taniko pattern from the school's kapa haka uniform which represents links to Ngati Whakaue ancestor Pukaki.

"No matter where we go we consult local kaumatua about the design and meaning to make sure we are portraying the majority's perspective," Janine said.

Most of their murals in New Zealand include native birds and the Maori legends behind them, as well as specific designs relative to the location.

The husband and wife duo have been doing street art for more than 20 years and have travelled the world to create murals for a wide variety of cultures.

They have travelled to the US, Guam, Rarotonga and will be heading to Tahiti as special guests at the 2017 Ono'u graffiti festival next month.

"Charles won the graffiti world champs there three years ago, so we're looking forward to getting back," Janine said.

Janine's cousin, Frances Cudby, is a teacher at Rotorua Primary and helped organise the mural. She said it looked spectacular.

"The kids keep saying how beautiful it looks and even have their parents come by to take photos of them standing in front of it.

"There's also a spotlight that shines directly on it which makes it look even better at night," she said.

Charles and Janine also painted a mural at Ngongotaha Primary School during the last school holidays.

"We just love to be able to change atmospheres and brighten places up," Janine said.