Auckland beautification initiative

NZ Treasures draws inspiration from some of New Zealand’s most remarkable landscapes. The mural features lush native bush, dramatic glacier scenery, rolling west coast iron sand dunes, and glowworm-lit caves. Native plants and wildlife, including the kiwi, kārearea, and kuaka, are woven throughout the design, celebrating the diversity and beauty of Aotearoa. 

Artists: RUKEAopen_in_new & RVSTopen_in_new

Guardians of Growth celebrates Paerata’s transformation into a thriving and connected community. The kōtare is the central feature of the mural, representing guardianship, awareness, and protection of the whenua and rail corridor. Native bees surround the kōtare, symbolising cooperation, productivity, and collective growth, reflecting the shared effort behind a growing community like Paerata. 

Artist: John Apelu Crouchopen_in_new

Located within the new bus interchange, this mural references Drury’s rail heritage through depictions of the original Drury Station, built in 1875, and the steam locomotives that once travelled through the area. The colour palette also draws inspiration from the distinctive soils uncovered during site excavations in 2023. 

Artist: John Apelu Crouchopen_in_new

Inspired by the natural world, this mural celebrates the strength and beauty of the kauri tree and tōtara branch.  

Artists: Kākano Youth Arts Collectiveopen_in_new

Surrounded by water and teeming with life, from the coral reefs to the deep sea, and from the tip of Cape Reinga to the far south, Aotearoa New Zealand is often described as the first nation to see the sunrise. Yet, while we may sometimes feel lonely at the edge of the world, we are surrounded by a rich and vibrant underwater community. This mural showcases some of the ocean creatures that dwell in the waters around us, celebrating the marine life that connects us to the sea. 

Artists: RUKEAopen_in_new & RVSTopen_in_new & PLUTOopen_in_new

This artwork draws inspiration from key rail safety messages and the natural environment. Partnerships like this help create meaningful public artworks while providing valuable opportunities for rangatahi to develop skills and contribute to their community. 

Artists: Kākano Youth Arts Collectiveopen_in_new

This concept celebrates the richness of Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna while honouring the site’s connection to the surrounding landscape. The designs draw on species found throughout Tāmaki Makaurau, featuring native trees, ferns, plants, and birds of cultural and ecological significance. 

Artist: Jasmine Kroezeopen_in_new

Covering several water tanks, this mural celebrates the local community through rural landscapes and a variety of farm animals.  

Artist: John Apelu Crouchopen_in_new

Te Kura, a shortened reference to Papakura, reflects the area's red, fertile soils through triangular niho taniwha forms and taratara a kai patterns associated with cultivation. The pātiki pattern acknowledges the fish species of the Pahurehure Inlet and its tributaries, while the kuaka (godwit) represents a kaitiaki of the harbour and the changing seasons. The kāhu (swamp harrier) and matuku (bittern) further recognise the wetlands and swamp areas that were once an important part of Papakura’s cultural and ecological landscape. 

This artwork is inspired by the landscape and origin of the name Papatoetoe, meaning “grounds where toetoe grows”, referring to the Austroderia grasses that once flourished in the area. The design incorporates native birds and the place name in a warm, colourful font, creating a welcoming experience for passengers. 

Artist: John Apelu Crouchopen_in_new

This mural celebrates native birdlife, bringing movement, colour, and life to the rail environment. Created to uplift the community, it offers moments of beauty for people to enjoy during their daily commute while reflecting the natural landscape of Aotearoa. 

Artist: John Apelu Crouchopen_in_new

This artwork features the flight of the warou (swallow), a bird that symbolises movement, precision, and agility. The pōhutukawa represents strong foundations, resilience, and vibrancy. Together, these elements reflect qualities associated with a strong and dependable rail service. 

Artist: Joel Nichollsopen_in_new

“Popn Birdz” presents native bird species as simplified pop-art illustrations. The background follows the same approach, using bright colours and simple forms inspired by natural environments to draw attention to the birds.

Birds featured include kōtare, whio, korimako, riroriro, miromiro, huia, yellow-eyed penguin, ruru, tūī, kākāriki, kea, saddleback, fantail, hihi, mohua, pōpokotea, kererū, kōkako, takahē, kiwi, kākāpō, shining cuckoo, rifleman, rock wren, robin, warou (swallow), and waxeye (silvereye).

Artist: Joel Nichollsopen_in_new

These murals feature local landscapes, native plants, and iconic Auckland landmarks, framed by cultural patterns that reflect the city’s diverse communities. Elements including the whau plant, Rangitoto, pōhutukawa, harakeke, beaches, and the Auckland skyline celebrate the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Māori, Polynesian, Indian, and European motifs are woven throughout the design, symbolising family, community, movement, and prosperity. 

Artist: Jonny 4Higheropen_in_new

This mural was funded by the Franklin Local Board, with support from other generous sponsors including Beautification Trust, Pukekohe Business Association, Eke Panuku Development Auckland, and Counties Energy. Pukekohe High School art students and teacher, Catherine Tamihere, developed and delivered the artwork in celebration of their community.

Artists: Pukekohe High Schoolopen_in_new

Using plants connected with the history of Maungawhau, colourful floral forms overlap to create depth and movement.  

Artists: Ross Liewopen_in_new & Margarita Vovnaopen_in_new

This artwork incorporates native New Zealand birds and plants alongside Māori and Pasifika patterns. Bright colours and bold motifs reflect the rich cultural heritage of West Auckland and Henderson, celebrating both the natural environment and the communities that call the area home. Rail safety messages are woven throughout the design, creating a visually engaging and meaningful work. 

Artist: Lucia Laubscheropen_in_new

The mural draws inspiration from the surrounding Swanson landscape, incorporating the historic station building, local waterfalls, the summit of Mt Pukematekeo, and native flora and fauna. Layers of greenery create the feeling of being immersed in the bushland, bringing together native birds such as the tūī, kōtare, tauhou, and miromiro, alongside mānuka, māirehau, pōhutukawa, and other native plants. 

Artist: Lucia Laubscheropen_in_new

This ocean-themed artwork features a turtle, octopus, jellyfish, manta ray, seahorses, and starfish. The design incorporates different patterns and vibrant colours throughout the ocean creatures, adding to the fun, lively, and seaside feel of the mural.

Artist: Lucia Laubscheropen_in_new

Drawing inspiration from Te Tōangaroa, this mural uses flowing wave-like forms to reflect wai and the energy of the ocean. A guardian figure emerges within the design, symbolising strength, protection, and continuity. Created through the artist’s connection to Ngāti Whātua and their ancestral whenua, the artwork honours this relationship and carries it forward for future generations. 

Inspired by decorative details from Auckland Railway Station’s heritage architecture and flowers from its garden beds, this mural celebrates the site's history and character.  

Artists: Ross Liewopen_in_new & Margarita Vovnaopen_in_new

This mural reflects the connection between Auckland city, harbour, port, rail, and natural environment. 

Artist: John Apelu Crouchopen_in_new

Spanning three buildings, this mural celebrates the cultural diversity of Ōtāhuhu through flowers from Aotearoa, the Pacific, and Asia. Featured species include clematis, kōtukutuku, pōhutukawa, mānuka, red ginger, sea hibiscus, banana, chrysanthemum, marigold, and orchid. 

Artists: Ross Liewopen_in_new & Margarita Vovnaopen_in_new