A new art project is part of a new energy surging through a small Bay of Plenty township after decades of depression.
According to a media statement, the Taneatua Skatepark Project has been organised by Auckland-based artist Te Marunui Hotene and partner Erin Matariki Carr with the aim to give new life to the township's worn skatepark, beautify the space for the community, and bring people together and celebrate skating as a creative physical art form that nurtures the confidence and fitness of the youth.
Mr Hotene, a Taneatua local, along with artists Ali Selliman and Ahsin Ahsin, are coming together to paint a mural that reflects the history of the township. The mural will be of Taneatua, the navigator of the Mataatua waka, and his pack of kuri (dogs).
Mr Hotene and Ms Carr will host the open day for the revitalised skate park on Saturday March 25 which will also feature a professional skate demo by New Zealand's first Maori pro skater Chey Ataria and his team from Def Store. They will also be donating skateboards and gear for the youth.
DJ Ramon Narayan will be performing and there will be a free BBQ to share with the community.
The idea behind this project came about last year when Mr Hotene was living back home in Taneatua and working with local youth through Tuhoe Hauora.
