This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Auckland has unveiled a new public artwork inspired by the Tiaki Promise ahead of TRENZ, welcoming international tourism delegates arriving in the city this week.
The large-scale mural is located beside the newly opened New Zealand International Convention Centre and is expected to greet more than 1200 international travel buyers, media and tourism leaders attending TRENZ.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited head of tourism Karen Thompson-Smith says the artwork reflects the values Auckland wants visitors to experience.
“As Auckland hosts the global tourism industry for TRENZ for the first time in almost a decade, this mural reflects the values we want visitors to experience when they arrive here – care for people, care for place and respect for culture,” Karen says.
“There’s a real momentum in Auckland at the moment, especially in the city centre, where new public spaces and events are bringing a renewed energy.”
Karen says the city wanted visitors to experience Auckland’s mix of culture, urban life and natural landscapes.
Partnership project
The mural was developed through a partnership between Auckland Council, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Tiaki partners including Tourism New Zealand, Tourism Industry Aotearoa and the Department of Conservation.
Creative lead Anzac Tasker developed the artwork alongside artists Kereama Taepa and Poi Ngawati and the team at Guardians – Ahiauaha.
The mural translates the principles of the Tiaki Promise into a permanent public artwork focused on guardianship, care and connection to place.
Anzac says the mural is intended to encourage both reflection and responsibility.
“Tiaki embodies the responsibility we each hold to care for our home every day. This mural serves as both a visual statement and a call to action — inviting domestic and international visitors alike to move through this place with the mindset of guardians.”
Permanent addition to city
Tourism New Zealand general manager Pou Ārahi Māori Karl Burrows says the Tiaki Promise plays an important role in connecting visitors with New Zealand values throughout their journey.
“The Tiaki Promise is a kaupapa for all of the industry to embrace and share with our manuhiri (visitors), it’s great to see it take pride of place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland,” Karl says.
Beyond TRENZ, the mural will remain as a permanent public artwork and will be included in Te Paparahi Toi Māori, Auckland’s Māori art walk guide highlighting culture and history through public spaces across the city.
