A business wall in Hinemoa Street has been chosen as the site for a large mural of a Te Arawa hero who has contributed to the arts.

Ngāi Tūhoe artist, Taumata Soloman, has been commissioned to paint the ‘Te Toki Te Arawa Hero Mural' as part of this month's Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival.

Taumata, who will soon begin work on the mural at the weekend, says he's honoured to have been asked to contribute to the festival.

'I was stoked to do this and more than happy to provide my p ū kenga (skills),” he says.

'The person I'm painting means a lot to me, and I believe I can bring the true beauty of this person to life through colour.

'I've been artistically creative from a very young age, however it's only been over the past few years that I've realised what I can actually do. I love that I have the ability to express myself through art and bring to life visions and ideas in a contemporary, yet Māori way.”

Numerous events have been organised as part of the Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival, which celebrates, inspires and shares through indigenous arts.

The festival includes theatre, kapa haka, Māori language, traditional and visual arts and film.
Taumata Soloman says Aronui is touching on all aspects of indigenous arts.

'It's our first one and it'd be cool to see it blossom and grow. Te Toki has been a huge opportunity for me.”

Taumata aims to complete the wall before the end of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori with a ceremony unveiling it due to be held on September 29.

The wall chosen is the exterior of Ajay's Emporium.