Invercargill Students Paint Mural Representing Fresh Start Program

A group of young people in Invercargill have finished painting a mural that depicts their personal journey through a school support program. The artwork was created in partnership with local street artist Danny Owen, known professionally as Deow. The project transforms the exterior of a building into a designated youth space, a change requested by program administrators who felt the previous facade did not reflect its purpose.

The Invercargill Student Support Network (ISSN) operates a 10-week course named Fresh Start. This program targets students who face difficulties in the school environment. Elley Lineham-Peters, the ISSN director, stated that the course aims to teach skills that allow students to return to school performing at their highest level. The team identifies specific barriers for each student and addresses unmet needs in social, emotional, physical, and mental health areas.

Lineham-Peters noted that the program provides wraparound support by coordinating with 30 different agencies. Every participant receives a fitness and health check. Nurses and doctors may refer students to additional services based on these checks. The ISSN also works directly with families to ensure all necessary resources are in place.

The mural project became possible through the Creative Communities funding scheme. Lineham-Peters applied for financial assistance after determining the building needed a distinct youth-focused appearance. Creative Communities covered two-thirds of the required funds. Deow provided a quote and began working with the Fresh Start group for several days to develop a design that represented the cohort.

Fourteen-year-old Lucah McNatty, a student in the program, explained that the design features flax, a plant native to New Zealand. The mural includes a sunset background to symbolize a new day, mirroring the concept of a fresh start. McNatty described the design as encapsulating both the program and the country. He and his peers reported being very happy to see their ideas take shape, noting that they were all putting in good effort.

Deow described the final design as bold and colourful. The central figure wears headphones, a detail intended to give the artwork a contemporary feel that resonates with students. A sunrise in the background represents new beginnings and forward-looking opportunities. Butterflies included in the design symbolize hope, growth, and transformation. Deow said the balance between the central character and the surrounding Southland landscape was important. He viewed the project as a chance for students to learn and build confidence through a creative process that is new to many of them. The goal is for the mural to connect people and make art accessible, allowing the students to take pride in a public piece they helped create.