The Western Wall: Whales Once Again by Cinzah Merkens

Spanning the entire western wall of New Zealand Maritime Museum, this artwork measures an impressive 150 metres long and eight metres high! The artist behind this masterpiece is a talented Napier local named Cinzah, who is renowned for his work with Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans. This international public art programme brings attention to pressing environmental issues facing the oceans and features some of the world's most renowned contemporary artists.

For Cinzah, creating this mural was a special opportunity to showcase the beauty of the ocean and the need to protect it. The mural reflects the Maritime Museum's focus on ocean health and sustainability, and depicts marine life found in our waters, including a life-sized humpback whale and giant octopus, hammerhead and mako sharks, kahawai, and snapper. It also features depictions of waka hourua Haunui and the brigantine Breeze, two vessels that educate visitors about voyaging skills from both Māori and Pākehā traditions. The night sky is filled with Matariki and other celestial navigation markers, with Auckland's iconic Rangitoto in the background.

If you're looking for a reason to visit the Viaduct and New Zealand Maritime Museum, you won't want to miss this magnificent mural. It's a breathtaking display of art and environmental awareness that will leave you in awe.