The Pōhutukawa pathway

A mural showing a colourful, abstract journey of growth and recovery is now on show at Ōtautahi’s child and youth mental health outpatient unit, at The Princess Margaret Hospital in Cashmere.

The mural, titled The Pōhutukawa Pathway, was designed by teenage Christchurch artist Ella Ward, and was unveiled by her in conjunction with mental health advocate and Westpac ambassador Sir John Kirwan, during his visit last month.

Ella is passionate about mental health and youth, and having seen the outpatient facilities where local young people are treated, she knew just how much they needed uplifting. “They [unit rooms] are dark and unwelcoming, but I’m hoping my design and injection of colour will go some way towards improving that and making our young people feel valued and supported through their mental health journey,” says Ella.

Prior to the mural, her largest artwork was A3, so to go from that to a 3.6 by 2.4 metre mural was a little overwhelming, she says, adding that being mentored by mural artist Kyla Kuzniarski was a huge help. “Painting this mural every day for three weeks has been such an incredible experience and seeing it installed is really special. I hope that for those who use this facility, whether they are staff, patients or someone else, that they can get enjoyment from its colour, patterns and
its story of growth,” says Ella.

Her mural features two different pathways that lead to an abstract version of the sun. “My design shows the concept of growth depicted through leaves, while I’ve included elements of New Zealand nature as nature is calming and it relates
to our unique culture and identity.

“The journey to mental wellness isn’t one-dimensional. Through this artwork I’ve tried to visually show that while there may be ups and downs during the journey to wellness, we can reach sunshine at the end,” she adds.

New facilities needed

Christchurch desperately needs a modern outpatient facility for child and youth mental health outpatients to replace the outdated facilities at The Princess Margaret Hospital, and Hillmorton. Māia Health Foundation is raising $6 million towards a modern, fit-for-purpose facility, which is due to open late next year. Ella’s mural will be relocated there once the facility is complete.