A long, grey, graffiti-splattered wall in Kopeopeo is about to get a colourful makeover – and it’s all thanks to the creative efforts of the Whakatāne High School Mural Club.

Located at the top end of Goulstone Road, outside the Kope Bakehouse, the wall has caught the attention of mural club members for some time.

Now, with sponsorship in place and approvals secured, the group is ready to bring its vision to life.

Mural club member Nate Parsons said the upcoming artwork would feature a fun, food-themed design – a fitting tribute to the local bakehouse.

“Shewsberries, pizza bread, hokey pokey ice-cream, milkshakes, sausage rolls,” will all feature in the mural, said the club members.

The design was created by Nate and fellow artist Martina Lowry.

The mural club is no stranger to transforming public spaces. They’ve already completed around five murals, including one near Pak’n Save in Kopeopeo.

The young artists are excited about their new project.

“We saw this wall covered in tagging and looking a bit sad,” Nate said.

“We saw it as a chance to keep uplifting the community and put our youth voice out there again.”

Painting is expected to begin in about three to four weeks, and the team plans to complete the mural over a week.

As with all their projects, the mural is a community collaboration.

“We’ve been working alongside the Whakatāne Youth Council and Keep Whakatāne District Beautiful is generously funding this mural for us,” said Nate.