NATURE AND ART MEET IN WAIPU
In the heart of Northland’s picturesque Waipu township, the Waipu River Walk & Art Trail has reached a vibrant new milestone.
After five years of dedicated development by a committed group of volunteers and generous sponsors, the popular walking and cycling path has evolved into an inspiring outdoor gallery with the addition of striking murals. The transformation began with a simple yet ingenious idea: turning the large grey fence at the trail's entrance into a canvas.
Volunteers recognised the potential to use removable plywood panels, allowing artists to create work without damaging the structure. This approach both beautified the entrance and provided a meaningful way to honour sponsors and donors who made the trail possible. Artists were briefed to emotionally link each sponsor's business with the river walk and surrounding nature.
The result is a collection that celebrates local talent while promoting community support for generous businesses. On 18 December, volunteers, sponsors, artists, donors, and visitors gathered to unveil seven stunning murals, with three more expected soon.
A prominent sponsors' sign now hangs proudly above a bench, encouraging the community to reciprocate the support shown by local enterprises. The seven murals on display include a captivating seascape of Bream Bay by long-time resident and internationally recognised landscape painter Richard Robinson, sponsored by James Alexander Real Estate Co.
Two murals for Northpine were created by Otamatea High School students Aya Hassan and Azaria Emerson under the guidance of Shann Whitaker. Andre Roth contributed a seaside-inspired work for Mountfield Quarry, reflecting the quarry’s role in local landscaping, while Shann Whitaker also created an abstract, textural piece for ITM Waipu.
Jessica Loomis painted a charming farm scene featuring recognisable goats Zeta and Charlotte for Origin Northland. Melinda Butt’s striking surreal triptych for Bream Bay Concrete incorporates concrete layers into the design. A Waipu resident for more than 20 years, Butt is also known for creating the iconic Waipu Shed mural.
The trail invites visitors to slow down, connect with the artworks, share them on social media, and become part of Waipu's ongoing story. As volunteers emphasise, this is not a revolution but a gentle evolution – enhancing nature's soul-nourishing beauty with artistic emotion. www.instagram.com/waipuriverwalkandarttrail Facebook: Waipu River Walk - Community Led Project
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