This week Upper Hutt Police Station got a little brighter with the unveiling of a colourful community mural in its entranceway.
The mural - a collaboration between Police, Upper Hutt City Council, a local artist and a local primary school - was officially gifted to Hutt Valley Police at a pōwhiri on 3 December.
A number of Police staff joined local kaumātua Mohi Waihi, who blessed the mural, Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy, Fraser Crescent School staff and students and Hutt Valley artist Aidan Walbaekken at the unveiling yesterday.
The project is part of the council-funded Painted Environment project. The Fraser Crescent School students became involved as part of a learning module called Character and Citizenship which encouraged them to give back to the community.
Over four weeks, Hutt Valley Police staff and artist Aidan worked alongside the students to design and paint the mural, which proved a great opportunity for Police to engage with the community.
The mural features a number of aspects of the vibrant city, including Te Awakairangi (Hutt River). The tukutuku chevron meeting at the centre represents the strength created 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," says Inspector James McKay. "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.
“Our vision is to have the trust and confidence of all, especially youth, so the creation of this mural has been a marvellous 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.”
