Officially revealed on 11 March 2026, a large mural – created by two artists who have both worked for the Project Parore’s restoration crew – proudly adorns the project’s home base in Katikati.

The mural was made possible with funding support from Creative Bay of Plenty. We’d also like to thank Dulux for their generous donation of paint.

The story behind the artwork is told by lead artist Marino Magee:

Project Parore is an organisation of people who are passionate about their local taiao. They have a vision of enhancing our waterways from the Kaimai forest to the Tauranga Moana harbour, a vision that sees healthy clean waterways, birds thriving and a wide biodiversity habitat.

This is the core inspiration for our mural design; we wanted big bold shapes to emphasize the boldness and courage they have for creating this vision and continue to journey through.

We also made sure to include the most important elements that represent what they stand for; Restoration, Enhancement, and Protection of the taiao.

Background

We went with a more abstract approach to the background with the two greens being landmarks of Project Parore’s catchment area from one end to the other, hence why they are on separate sides. The lightest blue is our clear sky and the middle blues are our waterways that travel in-between, acknowledging the korero about enhancing our waterways from the mountains to the sea.

Kowhaiwhai Koru

Green koru
Represents people who have gone before us, our ancestors, our old forestry whanau, and our past farmers. It is important to acknowledge our history and show respect. Most importantly, we learn from their success and their mistakes, so we can make better decisions for us in the present and for our people in the future.

Blue koru
Each individual bulb acknowledges a specific river that has major significance to each of the local hapu and to Project Parore: Uretara, Tuapiro, and Waiau.

Abstract Tukutuku

These represent the local hapu of this area: Te Rereatukahia, Tuapiro and Te Whanau ā Tāuwhao Otawhiwhi whom Project Parore actively acknowledges and aims to build relationships with through collaboration of working in the taiao.

Mountain Plants

Kowhai and puka represent mountain and mainland species.

Wetland Plants

Harakeke and ti kouka (cabbage tree) represent our wetland species and how we use the harakeke to enhance our waterways and create habitat. It is also used to weave, not just the plant leaves themselves but it speaks to how Project Parore weaves people together and represents their passion in active collaboration.

Birds

Represents the life we see, they are an easily seen indicator of what the work project parore produces is working.

Logo

To show passing drivers who they are, from the road side.

A final word from Marino

I’ve been pondering it for a little while now, asking myself, “Why do I do art?”. The short answer is I really enjoy how art brings people together and can create a visual story. It very much is tied to the way of Te Ao Maori, where most of our stories and history were originally embedded into our art, our bodies and especially our marae. I love the idea of continuing the path of creating art that holds stories and history, that is meant to be told to be kept alive. Knowledge that isn’t passed verbally down gets lost, and I see the importance of continuing to learn it then share it, so it doesn’t get lost again.

Supporters, friends and whanau gather for the mural reveal.

Artist Marino Magee explains the meaning of the mural’s various elements.

Maka and Marino are delighted to see their vision and work completed and shared for all to enjoy. This is the first mural they’ve created.

Guests waiting to be called to the mural reveal.

The mural at Project Parore’s operations base and nursery in the Uretara catchment, Katikati, Bay of Plenty – March 2026.