New mural paints a bigger picture for Paeroa

Paeroa could soon be even more ‘world famous’. This time, for its walls.
Spearheaded by the Paeroa Business Association and largely funded by the Hauraki District Council’s Public Art Fund, a new mural showcasing the town’s landscape will be installed on the side of E Ronnie’s Café on Corbett Street, replacing an older artwork that currently occupies the wall.
Project lead Linley Rose told The Profile that a new mural had been in the making for almost a year, following the business association’s formation in October, 2024.
Following a search for the right artist, the team landed on Wellington-based Regan Balzer to bring the mural to life.
“Her designs are more abstract and colourful, but still are able to tell a story,” Linley said.
Regan [Te Arawa, Ngāti Ranginui, Raukawa, Apakura] is a contemporary Māori artist originally hailing from Rotorua.
Her first solo exhibition was in 2005 at Hei Tiki Gallery, before she received her Masters in Māori Visual Arts (Hons) from Te Pūtahi-a-Toi, Massey University.
She has participated in a number of exhibitions throughout New Zealand as well as overseas, including Italy, America, Australia, Rarotonga and Tahiti.
Linley said the business association had a “really positive and really wonderful” consultation with local iwi at Ngahutoitoi Marae, which Regan was a part of.
And at the start of the year, locals were asked to share their thoughts on what the mural should depict and how it should be styled.
The results of the survey revealed a strong preference for a design that was contemporary, vibrant, and connected to the local environment, Linley said.
“Because what makes Paeroa so special is its environment: the rivers and the mountains. The river is why we’re here.”
According to council’s Public Arts Policy, proposals put forward for funding would need to showcase new artistic practices that would add innovation to Hauraki’s public art scene; have high standards of artistic excellence; reflect and incorporate the diversity of culture in the district; and recount Māori whakapapa and history, or celebrate Māori culture – with approval given by Mana Whenua.
One of the reasons Linley was chosen to lead the project was her passion for street art, and how it could revitalise cities and enhance town spaces.
She hoped this latest mural could kickstart a wave of creativity in Paeroa.
“A lot of cities around the world that are known for their murals have competitions each year, and so businesses are happy to be part of something that is a big event in their towns.
“That’s not how we’ve structured it in Paeroa yet, but maybe that’s a future possibility,” she said.
“I want this mural to inspire possibilities for more art, for more stories to be told.”
The Corbett St wall has been cleaned and stripped of lichen, ready for sealing and undercoating ahead of Regan starting her work on October 25. The mural will have its official opening one month later.
DETAILS: While the project has been largely funded by Hauraki District Council, with Mitre10 Waihi and Buildlink Paeroa donating paint and materials, those wishing to support this or any future mural project can contact Paeroa Business Association via enquiries@paeroa.org.nz