Murals brighten walls of police station

The police station in the Te Tai Tokerau town of Kawakawa now has a permanent public art display, thanks to the Redemption Arts group at Northland Region Corrections Facility.

The five murals depict various aspects of the work and values of NZ Police, local history of the area and te ao Māori symbolism, combined with text and abstract designs.

“These artworks are the result of an ongoing, positive relationship NRCF has with Northland police and are a gift to the local community,” says Assistant Prison Director Simon Tanner.

Northland Police Inspector Chris McLellan said the artists worked in partnership with the police to create the designs. “The artwork will brighten up the station and make it more welcoming for the community.”

The panels were unveiled at a gathering of police, NRCF staff, iwi representatives and whānau members of the artists. They were blessed by Rev Glenys Davis (mother of Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis), who was awarded the Queen's Service Medal along with her husband, Panapa, in the New Year's honours.