I recently wrapped up a mural project with Kiwirail in Tāmaki Makaurau, painting two large metal structures within the rail corridor. It was one of those projects that felt a little bit full circle for me... I used to live and work in Auckland, just a short distance from this site, so coming back to paint an Auckland mural in a place that was once part of my everyday felt pretty special.
The concept: nature, colour and connection to place
The idea behind the two murals was to celebrate the richness of Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna, while also acknowledging the specific site and the land the structures are built on.
The designs draw on species found throughout the Tāmaki Makaurau region, including pīwakawaka, tūī, kōwhai, tawa and native ferns. I illustrated the elements in my graphic style and layered elements to create something that feels really vibrant and connected to place.
Colour played a big role for these works, I wanted the palette to bring energy and warmth into what was previously a pretty overlooked space, while sitting nicely within the surrounding environment.
The compositions are intentionally detailed, with very little blank space. It adds richness, but it also has a practical benefit... it helps deter graffiti, which is a key part of Kiwirail’s wider beautification work across the rail network.
The mural process (and why prep matters more than you think)
One thing I’ve learned over the past eight years of painting murals is this:
Prep is everything.
Before any paint touches the wall, the real mahi begins.
Both structures needed a full scrub and degrease first, followed by a primer to make sure the paint would properly adhere to the metal surfaces. It’s not the glamorous part of the job, but it’s what makes the difference between a mural that lasts and one that doesn’t.
On day two I transferred my design and started blocking in colour using a combination of a paint sprayer and roller.
There's just something about that moment... opening the first tin of paint and getting colour onto the wall, it never gets old. I usually start with lighter tones and build up into the darker layers, letting the piece slowly come to life.
A small lesson in weather (and patience)
Of course, no mural project is complete without a bit of unpredictability.
At one point I got hit with a random rain shower that seemed to exist only above Mt Wellington (classic). Then, pushing a little late one evening, I came back the next morning to find condensation had caused some of the paint to run.
Not ideal.
But also… part of it.
The good thing about paint is that it’s fixable. A bit of extra time, a few adjustments, and we were back on track.
The people behind the project
I had some amazing assistants, Lucia and Lucy who helped me across the week, which made things go faster but also a lot more fun, especially on a tricky site like this.
Big thanks as well to John Crouch, who applied the graffiti shield coating. That final protective layer to keep the work easy to clean if it ever does get hit with tags. The great thing about murals though, usually the taggers respect murals and street art.
Why this project matters
For me, murals like this are about more than just painting a wall.
They’re about transforming spaces that might otherwise be overlooked into something that feels considered, vibrant and connected to the environment around them.
It was also really great to work alongside Kiwirail and be part of their commitment to supporting artists and creating public artworks that engage the community while improving shared spaces.
Seeing the transformation over the week... watching colour and life come into the site, was such a highlight.
If you’re a business or organisation looking to transform a space with a mural, feel free to get in touch, I’d love to hear about your project.
Commissioned by: Kiwirail
Assistants: Lucia Laubscher, Lucy Melville, John Crouch
Paint: Resene
