Artist Mr G shows support for Joseph Parker with new Te Puke mural

Graham "Mr G" Hoete is using white spray paint, highlighting hairs around the mouth of the latest mural he's creating.

He moves up to the nose and puts the final touches on the bridge. Creating a dewy look, exactly like sweat.

"You've got to be subtle with the white," Hoete says, taking a step back to look up at the wall.

He is close to finishing his piece in support of New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker on the side of the Te Puke Bakery on Jellicoe St.

When the Bay of Plenty Times visited the mural on Saturday morning, Parker was hours away from arguably the biggest fight of his career, against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff, Wales.

Mr G has completed a supporters mural of heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker. Photo/ Andrew Warner

"It's about letting him know that New Zealand is behind him," Hoete says.

The internationally recognised artist originally wanted to create the mural in Mangere, the hometown of Parker, but because of time restraints "defaulted" to doing something locally.

Hoete says he loves creating murals in small towns like Te Puke.

"I like uplifting small towns," he says.

"There is a real genuine community feel here."

Hoete started spray painting on Friday morning and gave himself two days to complete the detailed portrait.

The large mural features Parker with the New Zealand and Samoa flags behind him.

Hoete posted an update of the mural to Facebook on Friday night and Parker had shared the video on his own Facebook account.

"It doesn't matter if he wins or loses as long as he knows we are all behind him. Where he is at right now is an achievement in itself," Hoete says.

"Good on him man, he is out there representing New Zealand and Samoa."