Celebrating Community and Culture: Unveiling Artwork at Te Pātaka Kōrero o Waimāhia - Clendon Library
Healthy Families South Auckland was thrilled to support the unveiling of two incredible pieces of artwork at Te Pātaka Kōrero o Waimāhia - Clendon Library this week, celebrating South Auckland’s vibrant community and rich local culture.
These awe-inspiring creations were brought to life by talented South Auckland artist Paula Green.
With the generous support of the Manurewa Local Board and Auckland Council’s Connected Communities and Active Communities, Paula embarked on this journey with the aim of fostering Māori-led aspirations within the Clendon community space.
Behind this project is also Whaea Kathleen Wilson from Te Ākitai Waiohua iwi, the kaitiaki (guardian) of purakau (stories) from the local area.
Wilson's guidance and insight paved the way for a mural that authentically reflects the cultural heritage and stories that make the Auckland region so unique.
Notably these stories include that of Reremoana, a revered tupuna whaea from Te Ākitai Waiohua. But at the heart of this mural is the tamariki (children) from the local community.
Through engaging workshops with dedicated Auckland Council staff and Paula, the tamariki poured their creativity into a mural that transcends being a mere display of the local beaches. Instead, it serves as a dynamic platform for sharing purakau (stories) as part of future tamariki programmes.
"Children will have the opportunity to create their own art and share their purakau on the mural glass within the library,” says Paula.
The second project, the aspirational stairs, is a vibrant addition to the Clendon library space. Inspired by the rainbow and shaped by valuable community feedback, these stairs reflect a profound journey.
As you ascend, you'll transition from feelings of home, safety, whānau and love to deeper concepts like belief, respect, empowerment, hope, courage, dreaming, and happiness.
For Paula this project carries a personal connection that dates back to her high school days at James Cook High School. Back then, a mural artwork on the side of Clendon Library was planned but ultimately cancelled.
Now, years later, she finds herself coming full circle, finally fulfilling that dream and enriching her community through art.
We invite you all to visit Te Pātaka Kōrero o Waimāhia - Clendon Library, immerse yourselves in these incredible artworks, and become part of the story they tell.
This artwork is part of the Kia Ora Te Whānau Hubs initiative by Auckland Council’s Active Communities, Connected Communities, Māori Outcomes, and Healthy Families South Auckland.
Kia ora Te Whānau is reimagining what a well-being community hub could look like in South Auckland if created in partnership between local government and whānau.