Mural depicts bright future

SHOWCASE: Members of the R2R youth group in front of their new mural near the Carterton Events Centre. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A Carterton youth group is encouraging young people to take pride in their town by creating works of art.

R2R (Rangatahi to Rangatira) have created a three-panel mural with motifs significant to the district.

The mural was placed on the side of the Salvation Army store in Holloway St on Wednesday.

R2R facilitator Rebecca Vergunst organised the murals and worked with Wai Art to get the boards mounted.

"It's important for young people to be visible in their community; it gives them ownership and pride in their town," Ms Vergunst said.

The mural was designed by Amos Hadfield, a cousin of Anaru Te Rangi, another R2R facilitator.

Mr Hadfield previously lived in Carterton, but was now living in Palmerston North.

Mr Te Rangi said the initial sketch was provided on an A3-sized piece of paper and R2R adapted it to fit on to the panels.

"There are three panels representing the past, present and future. The red and black panel is the past. The colours are traditional Maori colours and it features traditional Maori motifs. The red is also a predominant colour in Carterton's sports teams.

"The second panel's bright yellow and green colours represent the present and Carterton's daffodils. The gold and black on the future panel are R2R's colours, and represent the golden futures of our young people.

"Moving across all three panels is a two-mountain design representing the Tararuas, and the two koru on either side represent Wairarapa rivers."

The mural was sketched at Papawai Marae, painted at members' homes and then the finishing touches and varnishing were completed at the Carterton Event Centre.

Wai Art provided technical advice and sponsored the board the mural was painted on.

Wai Art trustee Anna-Marie Kingsley said it was great to be able to assist such a motivated and talented group of young people. "They add a fantastic diversity to the outdoor gallery by telling their own story about their place in their community."