A pair of painted Chorus cabinets are brightening up Waihī streets and more are planned for the Hauraki District.
Hauraki District Council (HDC) put out a call to artists to take part in the inaugural Chorus Cabinet Art Project for the Hauraki District in August last year and two of the chosen artists have completed their artworks.
Council said the “striking” ‘Tui in the Sky’ cabinet currently swoops Colebrook St in Waihī.
The cabinet was designed by “free spirited” artist Joel Nicholls intended the artwork to be “refreshing”.
“[It] is a visual representation of the wind and sky that lifts and guides birds, in this case, the Tui,” Joel said.
“The visual intends to feel refreshing. Just as the air we breathe gives us life.”
Council said the second completed cabinet named ‘Not just Black and White’ on Moresby Avenue paid homage to the Akrad Radio Corporation which had premises on the street.
Council said the Akrad Radio Corporation was formed in Waihī in 1934 along with an inclusive society represented by the 15 most used Pride flags with the main rainbow flag coming out of a stylised version of the Clipper 5M4 radio produced in 1954.
The cabinet was designed by Lyn Randall who said the message from the artwork was that life was “not just black and white” but inclusive of society’s variety instead.
Chorus community relations manager Jo Seddon said it was wonderful to see the artwork in the Hauraki District.
“We were really impressed with the standard of designs and it is fantastic to see these now coming to life,” she said.
“It just shows the depth of talent in the district and the two murals already completed have set the bar really high for those yet to come.
“We are really grateful for the support of council to bring murals to our cabinets within Hauraki’s streetscape and we’re looking forward to continuing the partnership.”
Council said Five more cabinet artworks are planned to be painted within Waihī, Paeroa and the Plains.
“Rebecca Coggins’ ‘Dark Ocean’ [near Orongo], although not 100 per cent finished, is already getting a lot of praise on social media from passing motorists,” council said.
Painted Chorus cabinet locations:
Buzzing around Town – Cnr Orchard West Road and Darlington St, Ngatea
Paradise on Aorangi – 21 Aorangi Road, Paeroa
Mānawtia a Matariki – outside Paeroa College, Te Aroha Road, Paeroa
Fantasy Mine – 23 Mataura Road, Waihī
