Tauranga Tiahuia - Sarah Hirini

My 90sq. m mural located at Papamoa Sports and Recreation Centre, honours local Black Ferns Sevens legend Sarah Hirini. Thanks to the Department of Internal Affairs’ Hine te Hiringa Fund, Tauranga City Council launched the Tauranga Tiahuia mural project to celebrate remarkable women in our region. Six murals were commissioned, each honouring a Tiahuia - a woman of talent and prestige.

Sarah is a leading figure in international rugby and has made Papamoa her home. Her journey from injury earlier this year, to becoming co-captain of the Black Ferns Sevens, leading the team to the Paris Olympics 2024 is incredibly inspiring. Her leadership and dedication, including leading New Zealand to Olympic Gold in Tokyo, and passion for empowering women in sport, are what inspired me to represent Sarah in this mural at Papamoa Sports and Recreation Centre. It's such an honour to represent Sarah, and to celebrate her and the Black Ferns team as they head to the Paris Olympics 2024.

"By weaving the inspiring māreikura (superwomen) narratives of Tauranga wāhine, we will blaze a trail for women's empowerment," Tauranga City Council.