Supporting and protecting public art

A fabulous new mural at The Point Squash Club in Ngāruawāhia has now been protected by special anti-graffiti paint supplied and applied by Citycare Property.

The mural by the acclaimed Tauranga street artist Graham Hoete, or 'Mr G', shows 17th century chief Ngaere, who played an important part in naming the town.

Ngaere called out ‘wāhia ngā rua’ or ‘break open the food pits’ at a feast bringing together both the Waikato (including Ngāti Tamainupō) and Maniapoto tribes.

The mural was organised by Ngāti Tamainupō as a way to prevent vandalism at the club and was completed after two years of extensive planning and fundraising by squash club member Ijay Huirama.

But after the massive mural was finished, it became apparent that the anti-graffiti protection coat that needed to be applied had not been covered by the fundraising money raised.

“Citycare Property stepped in to supply and apply the anti-graffiti coat as part of supporting our local community,” Waikato Branch Manager Gavin Andrews says.

“When we were informed about the situation by Waikato District Council Community Connections Manager Megan May, we were very happy to offer to help out.

“We’re heavily involved in significant community projects and using our expertise and equipment to collaborate to protect the mural was a practical way to show one of Citycare’s core values of We Care,” he says.

It was the biggest mural protection job undertaken by Citycare in the district.

Two staff with a scissor lift and hydro ladders applied two coats of the special anti-graffiti paint in May and June. 

Robert Osbourne and Kawariki Toka apply the anti-graffiti protection to the Ngaruawahia mural.