Striking new artwork coming to Wainuiomata

Following a robust selection process involving representatives from Wainuiomata Marae, Mana Whenua and Hutt City Council, artist Chevron Hassett (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine and Ngāti Kahungunu) was chosen by the selection panel to create a design for the court.

Members of the panel admired the striking mahi toi presented by Chevron in his submission as well as the concept of whanaungatanga - connecting, working, and maintaining relationships within the community - that weaves through his work.

Born in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt in 1994 and raised in Naenae, Chevron boasts a Bachelor of Design with Honours from Massey University and has won both a Creative New Zealand Ngā Manu Pīrere award and an Arts Foundation Springboard award. His work has been admired in public and private museums, galleries, and institutions across Aotearoa and Australia.

Encompassing photography, video, sculpture and installation-based toi, his designs engage with young Māori, often speaking directly to their lives.

“We’re excited to see Chevron’s new piece come to life in the heart of Wainuiomata, right under the feet of our rangatahi” says Mayor Campbell Barry. “This neighbourhood is a culturally vibrant, community-minded place, an artist with his vision was perfect to visually bring together the history and future aspirations of Wainuiomata.”

The finalised design has been created in collaboration with Chevron, Mana Whenua representatives, Wainuiomata Marae, and Hutt City Council. Chevron’s design reflects the cultural narrative, Te Whata Kai ā Māui, gifted by Kura Moeahu, which explores the realm of pūrākau, the traditional origin stories of the whenua and the geographic landmarks that exist within Wainuiomata and the surrounding area.

Installation of the mural begins 18 March, with the court set to be reopened after Easter (weather dependent).

Design description

Chevron Hassett’s design for the basketball court aligns to the central themes in Te Whata Kai o Māui.

Pītau a Manaia:

• Te Kāhui Mounga is reflected in the spirals coming from the raperape form and represents unity, growth and wellbeing. This speaks to the gathering of them atop Pukeatua and the consequent growth of the whenua as a result of the processes they conducted.
• Te Kāhui Tupua is reflected and represented by the two manaia in this design, depicting Ngake and Whātaitai respectively.
• The movement of the pattern is a representation of growth and transformation the whenua underwent after the emergence of Te Kāhui Tupua.

Taratara a Kae:

• Te Whata Kai o Māui is reflected in this pattern which takes the Kaokao position; Taratara a Kae acts as both a protective mechanism for Pātaka Kai (Whata Kai) and as a reflection of the abundance of food and hospitality.
• The protective aspect of the design has been expanded to convey the aspiration and intent to ensure safety in the community of Wainuiomata.