Taupō newest mural is not only brightening up Tongariro Street but raising awareness of one of our most endangered – and overlooked – native birds.
The mural on the Tongariro Domain toilet block is a cooperative effort by Taupō District Council and the Department of Conservation and features the work of local artist Gary Bennett. It depicts the tarapuka, or black-billed gull, which is distinct from the far more common red-billed gull that we are used to seeing in large numbers.
Nina Manning from the Department of Conservation said the black-billed gulls are critically endangered around New Zealand.
“We are fortunate enough to have several colonies around Lake Taupō, usually by the Taupō lakefront but also in Motuoapa and Tokaanu, and sometimes even around the i-Site in Turangi! So to have this mural raising awareness of these birds is fantastic – and it’s been great to be able to work with Taupō District Council and Gary on this.”
Taupō District Council property officer Tonia Absolom also praised the partnership as well as the local tradespeople who had worked to deliver this in December, in time for the summer holiday season.
“We haven’t just done the mural on the outside,” Tonia said, “we’ve also upgraded the facilities inside, so thanks to Stu Tipping Carpentry, Taupō Plumbing and Gas and Flooring First for their hard work along with Gary Bennett for working in both rain and shine and making our little building beautiful!”
Pictured below, from left: Nina Manning of DOC, Tonia Absolom of Taupō District Council and artist Gary Bennett.