Mural of Whero O Te Rangi Bailey

Monday Mural by Sami

This mural was painted by the Canadian street artist KevinLedo. It is located on the back of the Crown Plaza Hotel

It is the picture of the late Parihaka elder Whero O Te Rangi Bailey. Also known as Poppy. She was a Maori master weaver and textile artist. She was also a High School teacher and counsellor. Her knowledge of Te Reo Maori, waiata (Maori song) and poi were highly regarded.

Her facial tattoo is called Tā moko. Tā moko represents the wearer's family heritage and social status—it is believed that the receiver visits a spiritual realm where they encounter their ancestors, returning as a new person.

The mural was painted from her photo from the project Peace in 10,000 Hands, a global Art Project. In this project Stu.art Robertson (Stu) photographs a white rose, an ancient symbol of peace in the hands of 10,000 people from every country of the planet.