Maclean Park Recreational Park Art

Find vibrant art from several artists at the northern end of Maclean Park's redeveloped recreational area featuring a new skate park and basketball court.

Waharua – Maclean Park Skate Park

In collaboration with the Town Centres Working Group, the Public Art Panel, and the arts team, the project commissioned Tohorā artist Kereama Taepa to design the skate park’s walls. Kereama’s artwork incorporates the Aramoana pattern, featured in Tohorā and the nearby Aramoana wall, alongside the tukutuku weaving pattern waharua, which symbolizes commitment and courage – encouraging riders and visitors to “face your fears head on.”

Kereama, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading contemporary artists, understands the powerful connection between public art and recreational spaces. His works invite people to engage physically and emotionally. As a skater himself, he reflects:

“I quickly learned that it was one’s courage that determined whether a rider became skilled or not - as your experience and skill only came through the pain of failing. Though it is indeed a place of healing - a place to get away and forget about the problems you may be in - it is only courage that will get you through”

Waharua by artist Kereama Taepa. 

Waharua by night

Waharua by artist Kereama Taepa lit green at night. 
Waharua by artist Kereama Taepa lit red at night
Waharua by artist Kereama Taepa lit up blue at night

Waharua by artist Kereama Taepa. 
We commissioned Kereama Taepa to create this design, continuing the Aramoana theme featured in Tohorā.

Martin Kaukau Memorial by Kane Smith ("Scream")

Maclean Park was a regular spot for the skaters’ group MPC – Maclean Park Crew. When member Martin Kaukau passed away, the group memorialised him in a skater/street art style. That original memorial was removed some years ago, and we committed to restoring it as part of a new park development.

In 2024, we commissioned renowned street artist Kane Smith (“Scream”), a member of MPC and the creator of the original memorial, to spray-paint this tribute to Martin and other MPC members who have sadly passed away.

Artist Paani Manawatu also painted the fire hydrant close by the skate park as a memorial to Huta Thomas.

Martin Kaukau memorial painted by artist Kane Smith ("Scream")
Fire hydrant painted blue with graffiti art by Kane Smith ("Scream")

The Martin Kaukau Memorial painted by Kane Smith (“Scream”) honouring Martin and other MPC members who have passed away and the fire hydrant painted by Paani Manawatu as a memorial to Huta Thomas.

Mai i ngā maunga ki te moana – from mountains to the sea

We invited the Youth Council to lead the commissioning of a unique design for a new basketball court surface, with input from representatives of Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai. Through this process, Paraparaumu College student Annelise Sims was selected to create the artwork.

Her design, Mai i ngā maunga ki te moana – from mountains to the sea, draws inspiration from the natural geography of the Kāpiti Coast. Using a topographical mapping style, it illustrates the ‘mountains to sea’ theme, featuring Kāpiti Island, Te Rau o te Rangi Channel, and the Waikanae River – one of five waterways significant to Te Ātiawa.

The artwork invites reflection on unity and connection, showing how the land, its people, and the district’s abundant waterways are intertwined.

Annelise Sims’ basketball court design celebrates the connection from mountains to the sea, commissioned with the Youth Council and Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai.