Wayne Guppy, Inspector James McKay, Hutt Valley Area Prevention Manager, other representatives from Hutt Valley Police, local kaumātua Mohi Waihi, Fraser Crescent School staff and students, and Hutt Valley artist—Aidan Walbaekken, have come together to officially unveil a beautiful mural in the Upper Hutt Police Station entranceway. The mural is a collaborative project between Council, Hutt Valley Police, and Fraser Crescent School.

“During Term 3, Fraser Crescent students embarked on a unit of learning which focused on Character and Citizenship. The unit was an opportunity to develop gratitude for those in their family, school, and community, and to inspire generosity by creating ways to ‘give back’ to the world around us” says Fraser Crescent School Teacher, Zoe Draper. “This mural project gave a real and meaningful opportunity for students to put learning into practice and they are filled with pride today as they ‘give back’ to the Upper Hutt community.”

Aidan Walbaekken worked alongside Fraser Crescent School students and Hutt Valley Police staff to design and paint the mural. The design brief required the group to work collaboratively, taking into consideration feedback from various sources including. surveys with Police staff and the public. Design was also influenced by ideas from Fraser Crescent School children, and Upper Hutt's city vision—‘Life. Leisure. Live it!'

“This mural is an exciting addition to our community,” says Upper Hutt Mayor, Wayne Guppy. “The tamariki who designed and painted this mural have demonstrated true leadership as they ‘give back’ such a wonderful artwork to our city.”

The mural features elements of nature, Te Awakairangi (Hutt River), playgrounds, sports, culture, history, and vibrancy—all of which were common themes during stakeholder consultation. The presence of tukutuku chevron meeting at the centre represents the strength formed when Police and communities work together.

“This mural is an awesome addition to the recent changes that we have made at the Upper Hutt Police Station. It has been great working with Upper Hutt City Council and Fraser Crescent School to come up with such a vibrant, meaningful mural to all involved,” says Inspector James McKay.

“Our vision is to have the trust and confidence of all, especially youth, so the creation of this mural has been a marvelous opportunity to interact with local tamariki. It’s also gives them the opportunity to interact with Police in a positive light and now they also have a connection to their local Police Station”

This Painted Environment project is funded by Upper Hutt City Council and is an investment in youth development as part of the commitment to build community in Upper Hutt's city vision.

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