Locals and BP get behind Ngaruawahia town improvements

The second installment of a series of murals showing historic photographic images of Ngaruawahia is now on the outer walls of the local library and BP service station.

The murals are an initiative driven by the Ngaruawahia Community Board to beautify the town centre in preparation for the sesquicentennial celebrations in 2013 when Ngaruawahia will celebrate 150 years.

Chairperson of the Ngaruawahia Community Board, Trish Forsyth says visits to other local towns, particularly Pukekohe and Waihi which have had upgrades, inspired the decision to celebrate Ngaruawahia’s heritage and highlighted the need for a town upgrade.

“Initially, iconic photos of Ngaruawahia today were considered before we researched old photos and came up with the first installment of historic photos which we installed walkway by the Plunket Rooms last year.

“There was no separate funding available for the murals so this has been a work in progress with funds from the annual discretionary fund from Waikato District Council. The latest murals have come from funding over two financial years.”

The murals show historic images sourced from the Alexander Turnbull Library. The library murals are themed on the Ngaruawahia regatta, while the BP location murals show images of the Ngaruawahia to Raglan mail coach, barge activity on the Waikato River and the steam train arriving at the Ngaruawahia Station.

Approval from BP to place the second installation on the outer wall of the service station has been welcomed by all parties with BP keen to discuss involvement in further plans for the town upgrade.

General Manager, BP Convenience Retail, Frank van Hattum says having the murals displayed on the service station is a not so quiet way of showing how proud BP is of the community they are part of.

“Every day we serve the people of Ngaruawahia so we have a strong connection to the community. When we heard about the murals we jumped at the chance.

“Our staff are locals so they're excited about the 150 year milestone and loved the idea of using our station to display the town's history,” he said.

“The community supports us so we think it's important to give something back. For a long time we've been quietly supporting our schools through BP Challenge and Enterprise Studies and the wider community through Vouchers for Volunteers.”

The Ngaruawahia Community Board has a clear vision for the future of this small historic town which was once earmarked as the future capital city of New Zealand.

“Our vision is for a vibrant and caring community, celebrating and promoting our town culture and heritage, the beautiful Hakarimata ranges and uniqueness of the confluence of the Waipa and Waikato rivers,” said Mrs Forsyth.

A public meeting is being called for community consultation for the sesquicentennial, at 6.30pm on Wednesday 22 June in the Ngaruawahia Memorial Hall.