Angel wings project takes flight
An art installation promoting inclusivity and diversity for rangatahi was blessed this morning in Kerikeri Domain. Watch our video of the angel wings in action.
‘Taking flight’ in the image of an angel is now possible for visitors to Kerikeri Domain, thanks to an angel wings art installation – a community project led by Ngā Anahera Pākira Bald Angels charity.
Installation of the wings, next to the new children’s playground at the domain, was completed this week with a blessing this morning (Friday 30 June) by Kipa Munro of Ngāti Rēhia and Arana Munro, kaumatua of Ngā Anahera Pākira Bald Angels Charitable Trust.
The ‘Nōku Te Ao, Free to Be Me’ project promotes inclusivity and diversity by supporting rangatahi to thrive no matter what their gender, ethnicity, faith, ability, or social status.
Even the design of the angel wing feathers took an inclusive approach with each feather individually designed by members of the community including the young, elders, tangata whenua, visitors and immigrants.
At 3.6m wide by 2.4 metres high, the wings are designed to enable everyone from toddlers to those over six feet tall to become ‘angel’ versions of themselves. Visitors to Kerikeri Domain can stand in front of the mural wall between the feathered wings and with the click of a camera, appear to be taking flight with rainbow styled angel wings. The installation promotes values of aroha (love), whanaungatanga (belonging ), kotahitanga (oneness), and mauri (the life force we all carry). The project has been 18 months in the making and took just under two days to install.
The Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board contributed $2,265 to the project. Similar wing murals have appeared in overseas tourist destinations. This one makes use of what was a blank wall on the back of a toilet block at Kerikeri Domain.
Watch the angel wings in action here.
Below - organisers, helpers, builders and designers gathered for the 'Nōku Te Ao, Free to Be Me' project blessing.
