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Street artists from around New Zealand and Australia gathered in Taupo over Labour Weekend and painted the town. Proving they’re made of tough stuff and devoted to their craft, 23 artists stayed out in the rain, wind and cold to create 20 new murals over the three day holiday weekend.

It took more than 100 litres of paint and more than 500 cans of spray, but previously blank walls, structures and buildings are now works of art and put Taupo well on track as home to New Zealand’s premier collection of street art. The artists diverse styles and talent enthralled the many spectators who braved the weather to watch their creativity unfold.

Long-time Taupo resident, Phyl Ruscoe says she’s amazed at the scale of work and the skill and creative talent involved. “I like discovering the murals and didn’t realise how much technical ability goes into this work,” she says. While the artists might not be household names, they’re well known and respected in their communities. “There’s a whole range of genres and we’re really proud to have iconic kiwi street artists Flox and Component, Ghstie, Cracked Ink and Beck Wheeler as well as Jon Drypnz and BMD and others come to paint here,” says Kylie Hawker, Erupt Events General Manager. “International guest artists Roach and Numskull from Sydney added a fresh dynamic to the festival and it was great to see them share their knowledge, experience and skills with other guest artists,” she says.

Final word to Numskull who says their mural ‘There’s something strange in the Neighbourhood’ (from the movie Ghostbusters) expresses their surprise at a town like Taupo being host to such an incredible street art festival. An exhibition of the street art continues until 28 October and visitors are enjoying the diversity of the works on display.