a town icon
Water tower transformation.
An identity icon, the water tower at the top of the rise has always been a dominant feature as visitors enter the township.
Thanks to the Whāingaroa Raglan Destination Management Organisation (WRDMO) and muralist Theo Arraj, the tower has undergone an incredible transformation.
A community-led project, the 240-square-metre mural design reflects local themes of te ao Māori, community and Whāingaroa’s natural landscape.
Raglan Naturally Community Trust worked alongside Waikato District Council, WEL Energy Trust, and Progressive Property to support WRDMO Project Manager Jacqueline Anderson with community engagement and funding support.
"Raglan Naturally was instrumental in helping us reach out to the community to collect feedback and most importantly, through them, we were able to obtain funding from the DIA Community-Led Development Fund for this open space to be re-activated as a visual resource and asset for our community."
The Raglan Chronicle
Signing off on water tower mural makeover.
Whāingaroa,Raglan Destination Management Organisation (WRDMO) invites the community to celebrate the completion of the community-led water tower mural project.
Join the team behind the project for the karakia/blessing of the new mural and BBQ kai on Friday, December 20 from 11.30am on the corner of Norrie Ave and Bow St.
As well as the stunning mural, the project also includes signage and a website to tell the history of the town water supply, the importance and history of the whenua (land) to hāpu and iwi, and the story behind the original mural.
The Raglan Chronicle
Artist to make a splash with water tower makeover.
Raglan’s water reservoir tower is set for a transformation with muralist Theo Arraj bringing his design to life. Theo was chosen from 17 artists to create a mural that represents themes close to the heart of Raglan, including te ao Māori, community and local landmarks like the maunga and wai (mountain and water).
Charlie Young from Whāingaroa Raglan Destination Management Organisation said Theo’s design resonated with the community’s desires. Theo, a self-taught artist with roots in graffiti, said this would be his largest work and is excited to contribute to the town’s culture.
The 240-square metre mural will be painted on the water reservoir at the corner of Norrie Ave and Bow St, a site visible to those arriving in Raglan via SH23. Work is expected to begin in November and take six weeks to complete.
