Students from Hagley College are taking learning outside the classroom this week, painting a mural for their new neighbours – the South Island’s largest patient accommodation facility.
The mural is called ‘Keeping Families Close – Moments That Matter’ and will be displayed at Rānui House on Cambridge Terrace. It has been designed by art students from Hagley College.
“Seeing these wonderful young people engage with Rānui and really connect with the work we do and the families we serve has been just incredible,” says Mandy Kennedy, CEO of Bone Marrow Cancer Trust, which owns and operates Rānui.
Rānui and Hagley College are now neighbours, following the opening of Rānui Apartments on Selwyn Street in November 2024.
“When we met our new neighbours at Hagley, they were immediately interested in working together to create an authentic connection between the work we do and their students. The result is this incredible mural which encapsulates the meaning of Rānui and reflects the deep emotional connection it holds for so many,” Kennedy says.
For Bronte Hardy, home is where her family is, and thanks to Rānui that is here in Christchurch while she receives treatment for leukaemia.
Bronte’s shock diagnosis came last September, a day after celebrating her daughter’s fourth birthday.
“It tipped our world upside down. I was shaken to the core. It’s those really scary moments that make you realise what is most important and that it could be ripped away from you,” Bronte says.
She first had treatment in Dunedin but her husband and two children, ages four and six, could not be there with her. Instead, they had to travel three and a half hours from their home in Wānaka to Dunedin each weekend to see her.
Bronte is now receiving treatment at Christchurch Hospital and is able to stay with her family at Rānui.
“As soon as we got here, I felt like I could breathe again. They wrapped their arms around us and just did everything, helped us find the kid’s schools, helped keep them entertained, brought us food and baking from amazing volunteers. It’s all meant the world.
“They bring light into what can be dark, dark days. The kids run into the lounge like it’s their own, it truly does feel like home here,” Bronte says.
The Hagley College students designed the mural in a series of SCAPE Public Art workshops, led by SCAPE Education Manager Sarah Ackerley with mentoring by local artist Jenna Ingram of Fiksate Gallery. The workshops developed students’ drawing skills, teamwork, and understanding of mural styles and techniques. The result is a highly original mural that tells a story across eight panels.
“The student’s goal was to create a mural that resonates with people of all ages while capturing the warmth, compassion, and support that Rānui provides its residents. Over the course of four workshops, the students refined the concept into a meaningful design that celebrates togetherness and community,” says Jenna Ingram.
The mural’s characters are designed to evoke joy and inclusivity.
“Every element of this mural has been carefully curated by the Hagley College students, who have shown incredible maturity, compassion and care throughout the commissioning of this piece.
“They chose an evening setting to add a sense of calm, comfort, and warmth to the overall composition. Key values and sentiments are illustrated throughout, including togetherness, aroha, a place of solace, welcoming, kai shared from the heart, and hugs,” Ingram says.
The backdrop features key surrounding Ōtautahi landmarks such as the Avon Boat Sheds, Arts Centre and Botanical Gardens.
“We hope the final mural will be seen as both joyful and meaningful – an engaging, playful piece that honours the incredible work of Rānui and reflects the deep emotional connection it holds for so many,” Jenna says.
When Bronte saw the images of what the mural would be, she felt emotional.
“It represents Rānui so beautifully, you can see the story and really feel it. Each part of the eight panels I looked at I could relate to, they were experiences I had,” Bronte says.
The mural project was a great example of communities coming together to do good, Kennedy says.
“The project was generously funded through the Christchurch City Council’s Creative Communities Fund, and our good friends at Resene donated the paint. This is a shining example of community collaboration, and we’re sure it’s the start of a wonderful relationship with our new neighbours at Hagley,” Kennedy says.
