Tauranga is the latest centre to benefit from an art programme which sees New Zealand artists commissioned to paint giant murals with a rural theme.
So far nine murals have been commissioned by rural supplies company Farmlands, with their store building walls providing the empty canvas.
Each of the murals aims to depict aspects of rural New Zealand and capture the local community’s spirit, history and environment.
The Tauranga mural will be painted on the side of Tauranga's Farmlands store during the first week of May by award-winning artist Erika Pearce.
She said despite growing up in Auckland, she had an affinity for rural New Zealand.
"My dad grew up on a dairy farm in Taranaki and I had a lot of cousins who also lived on farms," she said.
"As a kid born and raised in Auckland, I count myself really lucky to have been able to stay with them and get first-hand experience of farm life. To tell the truth, I’ve never felt like a city kid. I’ve always felt a strong connection with the people who work with the land," said Pearce.
Meanwhile Tauranga Mayor, Greg Brownless said he was excited to see the end result.
"I’m looking forward to seeing how Erika Pearce reflects Tauranga’s long history of agriculture and horticulture in her mural," he said.
"I’m certain she’ll have a big gallery of locals watching her as she works throughout the week."
The artwork will be unveiled on Saturday May 4th.
Newshub.