A newly unveiled mural at the Kahu Youth space in Paetara Aspiring Central has ‘breathed life’ into the space just ahead of a full fit-out. 

Kahu Youth volunteer manager Jo Lewis said around 150 Upper Clutha youth contributed to the mural project, which was made possible with funding from the Otago Community Trust. 

“We’re absolutely thrilled we fulfilled our brief and we have something everybody involved is so proud of,” Jo said. 

“It felt like the first breathing of life into our new space and in what is going to be a great community asset for Wānaka.”

Kahu Youth Trust board chair Randall Dobbs said the fit-out of space is due to begin next month, a “very exciting” next step for the youth-focused charitable organisation.

Approximately 100 young people contributed to the painting of the mural. PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

It is one of a handful of local organisations which secured space in Aspiring Paetara Central, which had its official opening last October.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the mural took place earlier this month and Jo said rangatahi took “a lot of pride” in their contribution to Kahu Youth’s new base and built excitement for the fit-out. 

She thanked the Upper Clutha Youth Council (UCYC) - a youth-led organisation which is mentored by Kahu Youth - and local artist Chrissy Wickes for helping to make the mural project happen. The paint was sponsored by Resene, Jo said. 

The UCYC secured funding from the OCT Rangitahi-Led Fund and employed Chrissy - the artist behind murals at the Dinosaur Park and Wānaka Primary School - to host a series of workshops with youth to help shape their ideas into a mural design.

Jo estimated that 50 youth took part in the workshops and another 100 helped with painting in a “completely youth-led” process.

Seeing the pride the young people took in the project was inspiring, Jo said.

“It helped them realise they can make a difference and they have a voice that is worth being listened to. That is what is represented to them and they are so proud of that.”

Kahu Youth exists to help encourage, educate and entertain youth aged 11-24 in the Upper Clutha.