Wall art in Waikanae wows

WORK IN PROGRESS: A wall by the former Waikanae Hotel site is being transformed into a mural.

A dreary wall by the yet-to-be constructed Waikanae carpark, on the former Waikanae Hotel site, is being transformed into an eye-catching artwork.

The wall, backing onto a fish n chip shop, and with a visual presence for motorists heading north on State Highway 1, is being spearheaded by Daniel Mills.

Mr Mills, who has already created a large colourful floral themed mural on another dreary wall nearby leading into Mahara Place, said the mural depicted a view of the Waikanae estuary from the sea, and features the Waikanae River, fish, fishermen, birdlife and some houses.

Mr Mills, a fulltime mural artist, based in Wanganui, said the art projects were instigated by Sue Lusk, from Destination Waikanae.

Ms Lusk said Destination Waikanae went in search of mural artists in March this year to tackle some of the eyesores in Waikanae, "especially with the village being in limbo after the demolition of the pub and the change of direction on the town transformation project".

"Vic and Maryann Hewson had enthusiastically embraced the idea for their wall opposite the Op Shop in Mahara Place after talks with Norma McCallum and Keep Waikanae Beautiful and Destination Waikanae, found Dan Mills to do a design that they were happy with.

"This wall is now the source of so many favourable comments from the public that Destination Waikanae asked Eric So, the owner of CJ Seafoods, if he would consider a mural on his wall as well.

"He was happy to work in with us providing the design included some signwriting for his business.

"Dan has been working closely with Destination Waikanae ever since, coming up with a refreshing new look for the southern entrance to Waikanae.

"We're really hoping that other business owners will look at their own wall space and see if there is something - large or small - they can do to enhance Waikanae."