Imagery depicting the One New Zealand Warriors looms large in a new mural unveiled today celebrating Go Media Stadium, Rarotonga Mt Smart’s legacy and the joy it brings to fans and the teams who call it home.
The artwork has been installed along the wall of the lower concourse in the East Stand of the stadium, stretching almost 60 metres long, as well as being five metres high.
It is one continuous piece representing elements from the stadium’s past, from the history of the land and its people to sports, from concerts to the diversity of patrons who have attended events there.
The mural was part-funded by the One New Zealand Warriors and Auckland FC, with both teams celebrating Go Media Stadium as their home ground.
Three mural artists contributed to the work, which took three weeks to complete. Auckland-based Jonny4Higher was joined by brothers Kairau and Earnest Bradley, known as Haser and Tawck.
The mural was blessed this morning in a ceremony led jointly by representatives from Ngāti Whatua Orakei and kaumatua David Wilson Takaanini of Te Ākitai Waiohua.
With such a rich and vibrant history to convey, a cultural narrative was developed for the mural by Tāmaki Makaurau Office Architecture (TOA). It’s anchored by the concept “Kia whakatō muri ai te titiro, ko te haere anga whakamua”, which translates to: “We walk backwards into the future with eyes fixed firmly on our past”.
The narrative is of an ancient relationship between peoples of the distant past and their arrival to Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa. The mural is delineated by one pou at the beginning and another pou at the end, with images of stadium activities in between. The metaphor is one of contemplation of its past, present and future, connected by a deep sense of unity. This is depicted through the image of a single waka (alluding to ‘kotahitanga’).
“At its heart, this mural is about connecting the present of Rarotonga, Go Media Stadium with its past,” said Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s director of Auckland Stadiums James Parkinson.
“The past is central to and shapes both our current and future identity. We wanted to create a tapestry that tells the tale of this stadium’s storied history and of the millions who have attended events here.
“Visitors to the stadium will recognise iconic memories from the past and look forward to more incredible moments in its future. Go Media Stadium means so much to so many and we hope that patrons will join us in celebrating its remarkable history”.
Jonny4Higher has completed mural projects all over Aotearoa and believes this could be the biggest yet.
“I was so excited to get involved with this project. This stadium is so special and the mural is one of the biggest that I have ever been involved with,” he said.
“I’ve known the Bradley brothers for years so working collaboratively with Kairau (Haser) and Earnest (Tawck) was a dream for me. Together it feels like we have created something which connects the past and the present, representing each other and hopefully many more across Auckland”.
Haser is proud to put his connection with the Warriors at the heart of his work.
“Like many others across Aotearoa I grew up dreaming of being a Warrior and running out onto the field here at Go Media Stadium to a sellout crowd,” he said.
“I’ve been here as a fan countless times so to be able to collaborate with my brother and Jonny on this artwork is a privilege – we hope people connect with our work. I may not be a Warrior but to me, as an artist, this might be the next best thing”.
The One New Zealand Warriors have been based at Go Media Stadium since the club’s inception in 1995, culminating in a remarkable unprecedented sellout season in 2024.
“Go Media Stadium has been the One New Zealand Warriors’ home for 30 seasons,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“Our club and fans have such a strong connection to this place. We’re passionate about it and this mural helps to tell the story of the stadium’s past, present and future which we are such a crucial part of.”
Fans attending Auckland FC’s debut match in football’s A League this Saturday at Go Media Stadium will be the first to view the mural in person at a ticketed event.
Auckland FC chief executive Nick Becker said the team is honoured to be represented in the artwork.
“Go Media Stadium has a rich sporting and cultural history and we are proud to be the next chapter in the tale. Our first ever game on Saturday will be a historic day for Tāmaki Makaurau and we are excited to have our fans be among the first to experience it in person.”
The mural at Go Media Stadium can be accessed by ticketholders of any event at the stadium by entering the lower East Stand concourse.
