Children at Ōtūmoetai Playcentre have been gripping paintbrushes and getting hands-on with colour as Tauranga artist Millie Pidwell has inspired them by demonstrating the creation of a new mural.

The recent workshop gave children the opportunity to work on their own visual masterpieces alongside the artist.

Pidwell collaborated with Playcentre families to incorporate their ideas and the takitimu kowhaiwhai patterns of Ngāi Tamarawaho iwi to design the mural.

The mural depicts the Tuarikura legend of a local girl after she transforms into a tuatara, because she’s too ashamed of not helping her grandfather. She later becomes a guardian for the earth and water.

Pidwell, from Murals by Millie, loved working with the families and local iwi on the Playcentre mural. “Together, we created a very vibrant piece of art that celebrates the land, its stories – and will be enjoyed for many years to come!”

Playcentre participant Sonny Macartney, aged 4, said: “Woah! How is she painting a tuatara?” and “How does she paint so big?”

The result was a unique artwork tied to the community in which it’s displayed, and it had proved popular with parents and children.

Neva Haynes-Dodd and Emma Spodyneiko in front of Ōtūmoetai Playcentre’s new mural. Photo / Supplied

Playcentre parent Jodie Moore said the depiction of the legend of Taurikura is the perfect backdrop to the centre.

“Not only does it reflect our belonging to the local area, the story itself is about guardianship of the land and about kindness to those in need – qualities we want to instil in our little ones,” Moore said.

Once completed, local iwi representative kaumātua Des Tata of Ngāi Tamarawaho blessed the new mural at an unveiling ceremony with centre families and life members.

Ōtūmoetai Playcentre co-president Sheldon Macartney said the project was made possible by a Tauranga City Council Creative Communities Scheme grant and was really special.

“We were delighted to be able to gather as a centre and take part in the blessing, made all the more memorable by the presence of kaumātua Des.”

Ōtūmoetai Playcentre is a parent-run early learning centre in Bellevue open from 9am to noon on weekdays. The centre offers child-led play for those aged up to 6, free adult education for parents and the opportunity to become part of the Ōtūmoetai Playcentre village.

Families can have three free visits before needing to enrol and are invited to call 027 880 2673 to arrange a visit.