From Drab to Dazzling: Takapuna Athletics Club’s Basement Revived with Inspiring Mural by Creative Industries Team

What was once a drab and rundown indoor training space has been transformed into an inspiring training zone at Takapuna Athletics Club thanks to a mural crafted by Creative Industries ākonga under the guidance of Dr Bobby Hung.

Dr Bobby Hung and Dan Brady

The project was initiated by Dan Brady, the General Manager of Operations at Unitec. Apart from his role at Unitec, Dan also serves as the president of the club and is a sprints and hurdles coach there.

 “Our kaimahi are deeply involved in supporting their communities beyond their work. There are countless examples across the motu of our kaimahi dedicating their time and energy to great causes.”

Within the club’s confines, a neglected area that Dan describes as a “dumping ground” for old equipment was tucked away in the basement. Teaming up with the committee and several supportive parents—including two other Unitec kaimahi—Dan sought a way to rejuvenate the space, aiming to inspire the athletes who trained there. Approaching Bobby with the vision, he proposed a graffiti art mural to adorn the 12m x 2.7m wall.

Embracing the challenge, Bobby solicited words, phrases, and symbols from the athletes to serve as inspiration. The feedback was robust, with contributions reflecting the club’s core values like “Manawatia” and motivational phrases such as “conceive, believe, achieve” and “do the mahi, get the treats!”

With the vision set, Bobby and one of his ākonga harnessed their artistic prowess, breathing life into an incredible mural.

“It’s now a space where Junior athletes can be proud to train and rub shoulders with senior athletes such Olympic bronze medallist Eliza McCartney, Commonwealth Bronze medallist Imogen Ayris and Commonwealth Silver medallist Jacko Gill, says Dan.

A key outcome was that the junior athletes feel connected to the space, and all the athletes absolutely love training in their new space. The club has had parents asking specifically about the mural when registering, he says.

“This is so much better than what was envisaged, it’s such a testament to how incredible Bobby and his students are – the athletes can’t stop talking about it, one committee member was moved to tears when they saw it.”

—