Te Huia Marae: Mural project 2025 -26
This proposal is in response to an invitation to paint a mural on the new interior Wharekai wall by Te Huia Marae Trustee.
Attending the recent AGM a discussion was had regarding the Wharekai interior wall to be adorned. Ideas were discussed and I suggested that our Te Tahaawai Rangatahi, participate in the creation of this mural.
Walking around the Marae grounds, I noticed the exterior Wharenui wall, once connected to the Wharekai – is also bare. The potential of this wall stood out to me as a prime space for another mural.
The Marae atea, also drew my attention. The exterior surface of the front doors, the walls on either side of them and the barge boards, all prime surfaces for murals. I propose that these spaces be included in the scope of the mural project. Photo’s to be attached.
Mahi Toi wananga
Deliver and facilitate 5 mahi toi wananga at Te Huia Marae in collaboration with our Tahaawai rangatahi who demonstrate talent in visual arts. The age group this project would suit is 12 to 16 years due to health and safety requirements and a maximum of 8 rangatahi to co-ordinate the murals. Bearing in mind the Marae is closed, therefore limited to how many people it can have on the grounds. Rangatahi are locally sourced, so no Marae sleep overs during these wananga is necessary. Dates are tentative due to funding confirmation. Wananga will start at 10.00 am – 8.00 pm each day.
Mahi Toi creative process
Wananga 1 – Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th October
Te Kore: Introduce creative context sourced from our Tahaawaitanga eg pepeha, whakapapa, whenua, whanau, korero tawhito. Decide on the creative content to be represented and develop/define visual ideas/drawings. Discuss tikanga in regard to appropriate placement of visuals in relation to function of space eg Is it appropriate to represent tupuna in the Wharekai?
Wananga 2 – Saturday 1st, Sunday 2nd November
Te Po: Fine tune drawings and complete. Discuss method for applying visuals to the walls. Technical workshops using spray gun, spray paint and paint brush. Prepare surfaces, sand and seal.
Wananga 3 – Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th
Te Wheio – Begin transferring visuals to the walls.
Wananga 4 – Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th
Te Ao Marama – Begin painting process
Wananga 5 – Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd
Te Ao Marama – Complete painting process.
Mahi Toi Budget (tentative)
Marae hireage – 100 total hours = $1,500
Food – for approx 12 people, 10 lunches, 10 dinners = $500
Paints – sealer, mural paints, decking stains, brushes, air gun, rollers = $1,000
Facilitation fee – 120 total hours = $2000 (includes admin hours for funding applications as well as fee for a second support facilitator)
Total funding requested = $5,000
Mahi Toi Funders
Due to Marae Trust board currently under review with the MLC, I propose that this project collaborate with the Wahine Komiti for support, accountability and reporting etc.
Funders include: Creative communities scheme FNDC, Creative NZ, Foundation North, Northland community foundation.
Recommendations
To conclude please consider these recommendations:
1. Set up a Te Huia Marae rangatahi subcommittee to support rangatahi wananga, holiday programs, visual arts, kapa haka, sport initiatives.
2. Te Huia marae – Wahine Komiti support this kaupapa by receiving funding to finance this project.
3. Set a date to meet with the Wahine Komiti to discuss this proposal.