Rena: artists protest for action

Less talk and more action is the message from Tauranga artist Graeme Hoete, known as ‘Mr G'.

Mr G, with the help of fellow artist Owen Dippie, has painted a mural in protest of what he sees as a lack of urgent action being taken to stop the oil spilling from stricken container ship Rena.


Graeme Hoete ‘Mr G' in front of the mural he has painted in protest to what he sees as the lack of action in dealing with the oil leak from stricken container ship Rena on Astrolabe Reef. See video below.

Painted on a container outside the Papamoa Beach Road shops are the words 'Less Hui, More Do-Ey”, accompanied by an eye catching image of the ship, Mr G hopes this will grab public attention and generate urgency to the oil slick off the coast of Tauranga.

'It is really to create some urgency and provoke some action. This is a good place as a lot of the public pass by.”

Oil has been leaking from the stricken ship on Astrolabe Reef since Wednesday, October 5 and on water oil recovery operations manager Mick Courtnell says an expected 10 tonnes of oil is now in the water surrounding the stricken ship.

With the MetService predicting bad weather from Monday afternoon, Mr G is becoming increasingly concerned for the potential impact on the Bay of Plenty, and in particular on Motiti Island, where his parent's live.

'It's a way of doing what I can to help protect my Island.

'I know they are doing their best out there but at the end of the day if it does turn into the worst case scenario, the Island will suffer the most.”

Growing up on Motiti Island, Mr G understands how important the sea is to the livelihood of the residents on the Island.

'They live off the land there and the sea is a major food source. Fishing, diving and all seafood is part of the staple diet and lifestyle.”

Mr G and Owen created the mural on the corner of Papamoa Beach Road and Domain Road yesterday and after posting it on Facebook last night Mr G says feedback has been 'incredible”.

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5 comments

Well Done.

Posted on 09-10-2011 12:57 | By Colleen Spiro

Kia ora Graham and Owen....for your efforts to bring awareness to everyone regarding this issue....It has huge consequences for this area. Awesome painting


Captured the feeling!

Posted on 09-10-2011 13:34 | By ronillian

Nice one Graham & Owen! Lovely art work. I think you've captured the feeling and the sense of helplessness of the community on this impending disaster. So why aren't our elected representatives busy organizing a public meeting to keep us informed and answer the angry public's questions? They all seem to be hiding. We would like some communication and not just the drip-fed spin from these media conferences.


Good on ya

Posted on 09-10-2011 14:13 | By Donnaw

Love your work and good on you for putting it out there, theres a lot people in this town that feel "helpless" and sick of waiting for action, everyone is pretty angry, and know i am!


Rubbish

Posted on 10-10-2011 16:31 | By Kin

Oh that's going to make them jump. A load of graffiti on a tin shed. It's not even good as art let alone the message. My 4 year old paints better than that.


Yes Kin

Posted on 10-10-2011 20:51 | By The_Courier

your comment is Rubbish! Good on you Mr G and OD for your work in this, a nice message and graphic art.


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