Newmarket Westfield Carpark Mural Flox & TrustMe 2019

Our concept has been informed by the history of the Newmarket area with a focus on key natural elements of the whenua.
The broad themes that are present in the artwork are of journey and way-finding, renewal and heritage of place.

Three significant maunga are located nearby.
Maungawhau/Mt Eden is the most well known, most visible and most visited.
Ohinerau/Mt Hobson was originally called Remu-wera (the burnt edge of a skirt) which is now the name of the neighbouring suburb.
The last of the maunga being Pukekawa/Auckland Domain which hosted the signing of a treaty between Nga Puhi and Ngati Whatua in 1828. Pukekawa is also host to Pukekaroa, the site of the Ngati Whatua pa. These features are visually referred to through the inclusion of topographic imagery and crescent brickwork elements that echo the shape of the maunga. The brickwork also refers to the volcanic rock Basalt which is used prominently in the historic walls and kerb stones of the area.

Mahuru St is the site of a fresh water spring called Mahuru, the word itself meaning the season of Spring. Water is a taonga or treasure and this spring has long been covered up by the development of the Newmarket area. Newmarket was once known as Te Ti Tutahi, named for the lone cabbage tree that served as a way finder for those travelling through the area. Cuttings of this tree were taken and cabbage tree in the Newmarket area are the living manifestation of this landmark.

On the site of the Ngati Whatua pa Pukekaroa there stands a Totara tree planted by Princess Te Puea Herangi to commemorate the end to the battles fought by Nga Puhi and Ngati Whatua. The totara is a symbol for peace and progression.

Echoing the fresh water spring named for the season Mahuru, is the inclusion of the pipiwharauroa or shining cuckoo. Maori welcomed the pipiwharauroa as a harbinger. ”Ka tangi te wharauroa, ko nga karere a Mahuru” says the proverb; “If the shining cuckoo cries it is the messenger of Spring”.
It was known as the “bird of Hawaiki” and it has been thought possible that the migratory flight of the cuckoo encouraged Maori to come to New Zealand.