Renowned artist Mr G gives Mauao a new mural

Tauranga artist Mr G's mural in Mount Maunganui has been unveiled with a haka performed by hundreds of people.

Graeme Hoete, or Mr G, painted a mural on Mauao's water tank to show his support for members of Tauranga-based iwi Ngai Te Rangi.

The iwi was involved in protests on the harbour earlier this month against accepting any Crown deal giving rights to Tauranga Moana to a Hauraki collective of iwi and hapu.

Mr G put the finishing touches on his painting on Friday, and members of three local iwi performed a haka to celebrate the finished project.

The Tauranga artist had been painting murals around the country and the world. It took about three days to complete the mural.

"I love Tauranga Moana, I am Tauranga Moana, and it is a huge privilege for me to use my mahi (work) to the kaupapa (policy).

"I have been swamped with work, I have been all over the country, and I had a small window this week where I saw an opportunity where I could use my mahi to support the kaupapa."

Mr G said he used a sunrise as a backdrop to depict the meaning of "Mauao caught in the dawn of a new day".

"I have also got wahine toa (strong women) acting as guardians of this Mauao.

"There is a chief up the top, that is not one particular person or chief. It is a representation of all our tipuna (ancestors), it has got three feathers representing Ngai Te Rangi, Ngati Ranginui and Ngati Pukenga."

He said it was the best place to have the painting.

"It is so significant, and it is amazing how it has all fallen into place.

"It is another way of helping getting the manawhenua message out."

Tauranga City Council Strategic Maori Engagement manager Carlo Ellis said it was approached by Ngai Te Rangi about the mural earlier this month.

Ngai Te Rangi had worked with the Mauao Trust and council to make the project happen, he said.

''We are proud to have a world-renowned local artist offering his skills to the fabric of our city.''

Mr G and his Mauao water tank mural. Photo/Andrew Warner