Bird-inspired artwork welcomes Awanui visitors

Visitors making a comfort stop in Awanui will be greeted by bird-inspired artwork adorning newly decorated public toilets.

The spruced-up toilets include new signage and artwork inside and outside and is part of a wider community-led project completed earlier this year to improve the neighbouring Awanui playground.

Local artist, Maori Erstich, created the exterior artwork, which represents the Kahu (hawk) and Ruru (morepork), which are kaitiaki (guardians) for Awanui.

The work was undertaken following extensive community consultation and is part of the Te Hiku Open Spaces Revitalisation Project, which is funded by Kānoa – the government’s Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit.

A key aim of the revitalisation project is to involve local businesses in the work wherever possible. The powder coated metal and bilingual signage was provided by Far North-based High Voltage Custom Metals. The interior artwork applied to cubicle doors was installed by Kaitāia company Printing.com, while the exterior and interior painting was undertaken by council contractor, Recreational Services.

You can read more about the Te Hiku Revitalisation project on Facebook.