Te Marae Moana mural project, which features hundreds of vibrant characters on the Nikao seawall, is nearing completion. The last 30 metres of the 562m wall are expected to be finished this week.

The seawall is adorned with a multitude of characters, including 67 faces, 33 different bird species, various fish, coral, and traditional imagery dedicated to the distinct identity and environment of every one of the nation’s 15 islands.

Painting the mural has been a demanding task that started over a year ago. It has involved substantial resources, with 34 gallons of paint, 201 spray paint aerosols, approximately 40 brushes, and hundreds of chalks and pencils used so far.

Rarotonga-based Mexican artist Gonzalo Aldana, who is largely undertaking the project, said: “It has been a very long journey and absolutely not easy at all.”

“The conditions have been super-hot or super windy, raining, and waves jumping over the wall, so it has been very difficult to work,” he said.

Due to the limited width of the seawall, Aldana does not have much vertical space to work with.

“I have to cross the main road to check that the proportions are correct. It is very challenging,” he said.

“But finally, this project is nearing the end of its journey.”

Artist Gonzalo Aldana is on the last 30 metre home stretch of the Marae Moana ocean-themed mural on the Nikao seawall, dedicated to the island of Penrhyn. MELINA ETCHES/23103114

Aldana explained that the mural is generally about the ocean, the diversity of the Pacific Ocean, and specific and unique features of the Cook Islands, such as legends and fish species that make each island unique.

He is working on the last section, which is dedicated to the island of Penrhyn, also known as Tongareva, in the north.

“I’m happy to paint beautiful rito hats, fans, and earrings, and sharks, and I’m always excited to paint something that’s specific for every island.”

Aldana is grateful for the kindness and “good vibes” from people in the community and visitors who “toot” as they drive past and provide lunch.

“Although it is a small island, it is big in the heart of a great nation,” said Aldana.

“I’m very deeply grateful to the people of the Cook Islands, Te Marae Moana, and Seacology, who made this project happen.”

The mural is expected to be officially opened during the 52^nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this week.

Te Marae Moana was legislated in July 2017, when the Cook Islands legally declared all of its Exclusive Economic Zone, which is close to two million square kilometres of water, as a Cook Islands multi-use Marine Park.

This includes a 50 nautical mile exclusion zone around each of the 15 islands, which are no-take fishing zones protected under Marae Moana, leaving them for island communities to use.