to remove Māori name
An artist’s attempt to honour bicultural place names in the town she lives has been tarnished by vandalism.
When Masterton-based visual artist Paula Coulthard was commissioned to paint a telecommunications box at the entrance to her North Island town eight years ago, she decided to do so in a style reminiscent of mid-century travel posters.
“Welcome to Whakaoriori”, the sign proudly proclaimed in brilliant cherry red paint atop a blue-ish scene of the Tararua Range, a fly fisher, a cyclist and a hot air balloon.
Whakaoriori is the original name given to the area and is in reference to the melodious birdsong in the region, which was said to be so soothing that mothers did not need to sing lullabies or oriori to their children. Located at the entrance to Masterton town limits on State Highway 2, Coulthard felt both the scene and the message were a fitting welcome to the largest town in the Wairarapa.
Link to article: Masterton/Whakaoriori artwork vandalised to remove Māori name | The Spinoff
