1st February 2019
Reef KnotSituated outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson is this rolled steel tube sculpture, created in 2010 by local sculptor Grant Palliser. Information from the Nelson City Council website describes the sculpture as...The two strands of this steel nautical knot symbolically link the history of the past with that of the present. The grounded strand acknowledges the Tangata Whenua and the early British colonisation of the area. The free strand extends positively into the future, reflecting the independence that we now value. It was unveiled by HRH the Duke of York Prince Andrew in 2005. This photo was kindly supplied by Deon de Clercq.
2nd February 2019
Pacific MonarchThis 4.4 metre-high bronze sculpture was commissioned by the Manawatu Art Gallery Society, using bequest funds from the estate of Palmerston North citizen Gertrude Raikes. According to the Palmerston North-based artist, Pacific Monarch is a monument to all the people who have settled in Palmerston North and who have brought aspects of their culture with them. The figure's headdress is intentionally ambiguous it could be a ceremonial Pacific crown of leaves, or the headdress of the green men of Celtic Europe. The figure's blindfold represents the way people immigrate to a new country without knowing what they will find there or what the future may hold. The long voyage made by many settlers is represented by barnacles on the figure's stern-like thigh, and also by the globe balanced in one of the figure's hands. In the figure's other hand is a plumb-bob (a builder's tool for vertically lining up framing), demonstrating an intent to settle and make a home. But first efforts can be rough and ready, using whatever comes to hand, and so the figure is propped up like a fencepost by two spindly sticks. Photo and text supplied by the Palmerston North City Council.
3rd February 2019
The CentreWe wonder what the colours were like on this mural when it was originally painted 23 years ago. A little faded and worse for wear the mural by Spike celebrates the Scottish heritage of the Waipu community. Initially looking to settle in Australia but finding Melbourne to be a hotbed of violence and disease a group of scottish immigrants were encouraged to travel to New Zealand by Sir George Grey, Governor of New Zealand. Arriving in 1853 their search for suitable land led them to create their new community in Waipu.
4th February 2019
Hauraki MuralThe 'Hauraki Mural' was created by the children of Paeroa in 2017, it tells the story of Hauraki past, present and future. All the ideas from the children about conservation around their sacred mountain, their people and community were brought together by Max Levi-Frieder an artist based in New York who travels the world helping communities create public artworks. The mural can be found on Cassrels St.
5th February 2019
The RangatiraLocated on a pathway leading up to the Martha Mine in Waihi is this sculpture by Michael Weir called 'The Rangatira'. The story from the plaque reads...History tells us that in the early occupation of the area a Rangatira of Hauraki struck the ground with his taiaha and water gushed from it. He then named the area 'Waihihi' which means gushing water. This statue commemorates that event. Over the years the name Waihihi has been shortened to Waihi.
6th February 2019
Chapman's HomerWhen Michael Parekowhai first exhibited his Chapman's Homer in post earthquake Christchurch it became an instant attraction drawing over 55,000 people back into the city 'red zone' to view the sculpture. The original piece consisting of two bulls and three pianos resonated with the public becoming a symbol of strength and resilience. A public funding campaign was organised to keep the bull in the city, its new permanent home is on the forecourt of the Christchurch Art Gallery. Thanks goes to Tyrrell Harris for the photograph.
7th February 2019
Lysander CresAnother excellent native bird mural by Jeremy Shirley. The artwork deters anti-social tagging on a wall that faces a small children's playground at the local shops on Lysander Cres in Beach Haven.
8th February 2019
Cuba StThis cool utility box was painted in 2016 by Numa MacKenzie (Numa Natures Gentleman). The box is located on the corner of Cuba St and Vivian St in Te Aro, Wellington. Our thanks goes to Fabrice Coquet for allowing us to use the photograph.
9th February 2019
Morrinsville MuralThis large mural is found just as you enter Morrinsville driving from Hamilton on SH26. The mural, which shows the landmarks and activities in and around the town, was painted in 1994 by Ian Martinsen, having faded over time it was then repainted in 2009 by Dave Kington.
10th February 2019
Ray White ManurewaWe can only imagine the time and effort that Doug Ford put into painting this mural, the size and amount of detail is just incredible. This is a very fanciful piece that include people from all walks of life including an invisible man in a purple suit? The mural is found in an access way through the Ray White building in Manurewa from Great South Rd to the car parking behind. Just a reminder that photos on Facebook are of reduced quality so to see the full res photos head over to our website at www.outdoorart.nz
11th February 2019
C J MonroCharles John Monro (1851-1933) is credited with bringing the game of rugby to New Zealand. Monro came to Palmerston North in 1888, where he lived until his death in 1933. Shortly before the commencement of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, this bronze statue to Monro's memory was erected outside the New Zealand Rugby Museum. Commissioned by the Monro family, the sculpture was designed and cast by Manawatu resident, Sonny Hawkins. Photo and text supplied by the Palmerston North City Counci
12th February 2019
TuiTaraThanks to Simon Geard for helping us to find this new mural in Aucklands Wynyard Quarter. A very cool rendition of a Tui and a Tuatara against a starry backdrop, check it out on Pakenham St. The mural appears to be signed as 'Blem Leaky' but this is a name we are unfamiliar with, if anyone knows more about the artist please drop us a line.
13th February 2019
Summer BreezeFrom the 2018 Graffiato Taupo Street Art Festival comes this mural 'Summer Breeze' painted by Hollyrocck (Holly Ross). Some beautiful colours and really like that she added the tag 'Blowing thru the Jasmine in my mind'.
14th February 2019
Fly to the FutureWe appreciate the efforts of Sam and Paul Corliss for taking this photo for us. This Chorus cabinet art is called 'Fly to the Future', it was painted by Haruko Furukawa on a cabinet in Christchurch Central on the corner of Colombo and Salisbury streets.
15th February 2019
Tarawera and RotoitiThis is one of a number of power boxes painted by Paul X Walsh around the Rotorua CBD. The painting shows views across lakes Tarawera and Rotoiti.
16th February 2019
Good Earth Matters MuralShowcasing the 33m long mural painting from start to finish in the UCOL carpark between King street and Queen street, Palmesrton North. Commissioned by Good Earth Matters Consulting with support from Placemaking Palmerston North. The mural was commissioned in celebration of Good Earth Matters' 20th Anniversary and reflective of their work in the environment. The mural was created by artists Gembol and Swiftmantis with the photo image being produced by Swiftmantis. Text and image kindly supplied by the Palmerston North City Council.
17th February 2019
Kid JusticeKid Justice is a new sculpture located in Crawford Reserve, Howick designed to mark the 125th anniversary of women's suffrage. The sculpture created by Erin Forsyth (Erin Forsyth Illustration) uses an image of a youth kaitiaki to convey the themes of unity, equality and looking toward an unseeable future.
18th February 2019
Psychedelic SunsetFound on a Chorus cabinet along Lake Terrace, Taupo (near 2 Mile Bay) is this Psychedelic Sunset by Paul X Walsh. A view south across Lake Taupo to the volcanoes beyond on a particularly colourful summers evening. No really, the sky was just like that when we were there.
19th February 2019
KereruFrom Whanganui comes this wonderful sculpture by Paul Dibble. The sculpture features a Kereru, also known as a native woodpigeon, a sphere and foliage motif. Paul Dibble's Kereru was a finalist in the 2010 Sculpture Wanganui competition and received the Powerco Wanganui Trust People's Choice Award, which was voted for by the Whanganui community. The sculpture is now sited on Taupo Quay alongside the banks of the Whanganui River. Photo and text supplied by the Whanganui District Council.
20th February 2019
CityscapeCityscape by New Zealand sculptor Guy Ngan OBE was originally made for the Eastern and Central Savings Bank for their Broadway Avenue premises. When the premises sold, at six metres long this piece was too large for the redeveloped interior. It was initially put into storage as an asset of the building owners, but the Waldegrave family subsequently donated the work to the Palmerston North Public Sculpture Trust for the City. Photo and text kindly supplied by the Palmerston North City Council.
21st February 2019
The History of KiwifruitThis trompe l'oeil (trick of the eye) mural was painted by Marc Spijkerbosch in 2011, it charts the history of the kiwifruit industry in the Katikati area from its beginnings in 1952 through to becoming a billion dollar earner for New Zealand. Painted into the mural itself are two information panels detailing the history and major contributors to the development of the industry. If they are not readable on FB you can find the full res photos on our map. The mural is on Talisman Dr in Katikati.
22nd February 2019
The WrestlersLlew Summers sculptures celebrate the balance between the physical form and the spirituality of life. The Wrestlers were purchased by the Christchurch City Council in 1990 and installed by the bank of the Avon River in the Botanic Gardens. The artwork depicting two powerful figures entwined in a wrestling manoeuvre did cause some controversy at the time due to the nudity of the figures. Photos kindly supplied by Tyrrell Harris
23rd February 2019
KorimakoThis is our personal favourite Hamilton bus stop mural painted by Jeremy Shirley. Korimako (Bellbird) are endemic to New Zealand and are wide spread on both the North and South Island though strangely rare in the Auckland and Northland regions. While Tui murals are found everywhere this is the only mural of a Korimako that we are aware of, good on ya Jeremy Shirley. Take the bus to Brookfield St in Hamilton East to admire this artwork.
24th February 2019
Kereru DreamKereru Dream is a beautiful new mural by Paul Bradley (Pauly B Artist) on Dominion Rd in Nawton, Hamilton. According to the artist the kereru dream imagery is all about aspiration and freedom.
25th February 2019
Mahatma GandhiUnveiled on the 2nd of October 2007 (International Day of Non-Violence) is this life-sized sculpture of inspirational Indian spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi by Gautam Pal.The sculpture is located on Bunny St outside the Wellington train station, this site was chosen as Gandhi was well known for his use of trains and public transport in his travels. Photo kindly supplied by Deon de Clercq.
26th February 2019
Moa ChickThis beautiful mural of a Moa Chick can be found on the side of The Quiet Revolution Cycle Shop in Takaka. The photo was kindly sent in to us by Rebecca Lamb on her family travels through the area (.
27th February 2019
Nga Huruhuru RangatiraNga Huruhuru Rangatira ('the feathers of the chief') is the ninth sculpture commissioned by the Palmerston North Public Sculpture Trust. It is the creation of Robert (Bob) Jahnke, Professor of Maori Visual Arts at Massey University. Constructed from stainless steel, the 6.4 metre high sculpture features five stylised huia feathers, the tips of which meet at the top to form an archway. Cutaway sections in the feathers echo the shape of male and female huia with outspread wings. The sculpture is made from three tonnes of stainless steel, and represents the coming together of Maori cultural references and Western knowledge. Photo and text supplied by the Palmerston North City Council.
28th February 2019
SelenaiaWe are delighted to have teamed up with shadows_surgeon (aka JsnapsNZ) to be able to add more amazing art from Northland. Look out for some captivating night shots that really bring to life the subject and surrounds. Follow shadows_surgeon on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/shadows_surgeon/ First up is this mural from the recent Street Prints Manaia street art festival held in Whangarei which saw Fin Dac return to New Zealand with another brilliant piece of art. The mural called Selenaia shows the two sides of the model who has both Maori and Filipino heritage.