NZ’s longest mural highlights youth health
Members of the Waitemata District Health Board Youth Advisory Group (YAG) are working in collaboration with Auckland art company ‘Cut Collective’, to create a 30m mural which will be displayed on the perimeter fence of North Shore’s car park which is under construction.
The YAG was established in 2009 with the support of Youthline and advises the WDHB on youth health initiatives.
YAG member, Chasity Hemana says the project is a chance to highlight the issues and barriers youth face when accessing health services in a fun, creative and sustainable way.
“One thing we feel stops youth wanting to access health services is that everything appears so clinical and boring- we want vibrant colours and uplifting messages. I would like to see greetings from different cultures scrawled on the wall so that everyone feels included.”
The Cut Collective has held workshops with the YAG over the past month to encapsulate what it is they want on the wall.
“We spent time just hanging out with the youth and getting a feel for what they want- they’re such a passionate group of young people and I think that will show through in the final product.
One of the main things they have been doing is collecting quotes that inspire them- everything from Dr Seuss to Linkin Park has featured- the YAG will choose their favourites and we’ll turn it into typography,” says Gary of Cut Collective.
WDHB project manager Darna Appleyard says the project brief was quite simple.
“We said we want you to come up with some themes and topics on key issues that pertain to young people and wellness.
There’s a perception that New Zealand youth are generally ‘well’, but there’s always room for improvement and we’re very mindful that the data we plan our health services from does not always give us the best representation- because if young people aren’t getting through the door we’re not capturing them.”
The actual painting of the mural will be finished by the end of July, then once the carpark construction is complete in September the mural will be dismantled in panels and displayed around various youth health services.
Several sponsors are on board to help fund the project including Brookfield Multiplex who have pledged $10,000.