The Tauranga Department of Conservation is hosting a public celebration for the mural unveiling of Te Wao Tapu Nui o Tane Mahuta – The Domain of Tane on Friday, July 5 at 2pm.

The event is taking place in Katikati at the Arts Junction and it is open to the public, with free food and drink on offer.

The unveiling will be introduced by numerous guest speakers and story tellers, including representatives of DOC, iwi and supporters.

The Kaimai kauri forests are rich in history and culture, and they are now threatened by the spread of kauri dieback disease, and we are at risk of losing this great taonga.

The Tauranga Department of Conservation invite members of the public to celebrate the stories of our Kaimai kauri, and to learn how we all can play a part to stop the spread of disease to our forests.

The mural has been created as a community effort between the Arts Junction, Katch Katikati, Open Air Art, Shane Walker Artworks, Western Bay Museum, The DOC Kauri team, and the marae of Te Rereatukahia, Tuapiro and Otawhiwhi.

Iwi and hapu partners have worked as part of the DOC team and supported this initiative from the start.