Katikati Youth to Spray-Paint Skatepark in Free Street Art Weekend

Rangatahi in Katikati are being invited to pick up a spray can and help transform the surfaces of the local skatepark on the weekend of 20–21 June, between 9am and 5pm at the Fairview Rd skatepark. The event is part of a four-day street art project running from 19–22 June, led by Tauranga-based street artist Kalib Wallace and organised by Katikati Open Air Art (KOAA).

The project has been more than a year in the making, with a design process begun in March 2025. KOAA arts coordinator Peri St John-Ives said the inspiration came directly from a young local skater — ten-year-old Pewee Tewhakaara — who she met at the park while visiting with her kids. Pewee told her he wanted the skatepark to look more exciting and inviting, and that conversation sparked the whole initiative.

St John-Ives noted that street art would be applied to the curved parts of the bowl and jumps, and that professional skaters had been consulted to ensure spray paint — rather than other coatings — would keep the surfaces safe to ride. Pewee himself said he was stoked the project was finally happening.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).