A celebration of African migrants in Aotearoa has bloomed into a striking mural in Rotorua, the country’s tourism capital.

Titled “Marking the Transitioning – From One Sunset To Another,” the project was a volunteer effort led by Linton Park Community Centre and the Ubuntu African Society Bay of Plenty (UASBOP).

Ahead of the unveiling ceremony on Saturday, September 20, Linton Park Community Centre Manager Veena Kameta said the “sister bond” between the two organisations, began five years ago when she took on the role.

“To gift, or share with another culture, something such as a place to feel like home is natural to me – it is part of my Māori heritage,” she said.

“For me, manaakitanga is all I have known. We show this at our marae, in our homes, and I also encourage it in the way I work. I knew we had to make a big impact, so I drafted funding applications, proposals and pulled a support team together.”

With support from Lotteries, Department of Internal Affairs and Creative Communities funding from Rotorua Lakes Council, the mural came to life.

“This is just the beginning of greater work to come. As we prepare for our mural ceremony, we welcome all cultures and look forward to being here each time,” Kameta said.

The Story Behind the Mural

Artist and UASBOP founder Faustinah Ndlovu said the mural honours the migrant journey and transition into Aotearoa.

“It was inspired first by African sunsets,” she said.

Ndlovu brought in Yani du Plessis (South Africa) and Martyn Evans (Wales) to collaborate, weaving in her personal connection to the elephant.

“Ndlovu means elephant – it is my totem, my hapū, and my surname – so it carries deep meaning for me,” she explained.

“Elephants raise their young, make paths for other animals in the wilderness, and have long ears for listening – even hearing things from miles away. They’re tough, nurturing, and wise.”

This Saturday, Ndlovu said, will be about celebrating the spirit of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – and recognising the contribution Africans have made to New Zealand society.

In 2025, South Africans became the third-largest overseas-born group in New Zealand, surpassing Filipinos. The mural, Ndlovu said, is a way of acknowledging the African contribution to Aotearoa as a whole.

“We also want newcomers to know that if they’re looking for wrap-around support when settling here, we are here,” she said.

While the UASBOP does not offer mental health services like counselling, Ndlovu said the event draws on the “African saying, it takes a village to raise a child – so that’s what we are trying to build for the community now”.

Artist and UASBOP member Yani du Plessis explains the mural in an audio piece which you can listen to below:

Event details:

The mural ceremony runs from 12pm–2pm, Saturday, September 20 at Linton Park Community Centre.

Guests include Karen Baker (Rotorua Lakes Council) and Mel Groves (Department of Internal Affairs). The celebration will feature a Rotorua Hip Hop/Dance performance followed by a shared lunch. Everyone is welcome.