Auckland has unveiled a new public artwork inspired by the Tiaki Promise, welcoming international visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand ahead of TRENZ 2026, the country’s largest international tourism business event.
The large-scale mural sits adjacent to the newly opened New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) and will provide a striking welcome for more than 1,200 international travel buyers, media and tourism leaders gathering in Auckland this week.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Head of Tourism Karen Thompson-Smith says the artwork represents both a welcome to the world and a lasting legacy for the city.
“As Auckland hosts the global tourism industry for TRENZ for the first time in almost a decade, this mural reflects the values we want visitors to experience when they arrive here - care for people, care for place and respect for culture.
“There’s a real momentum in Auckland at the moment, especially in the city centre, where new public spaces and events are bringing a renewed energy.
“We want people to take a fresh look at Auckland and experience the unique mix of culture, urban life and natural beauty that defines this place.”
The mural is a collaborative initiative delivered by Auckland Council and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited in partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Tiaki partners including Tourism New Zealand, Tourism Industry Aotearoa and the Department of Conservation.
Developed by creative lead Anzac Tasker in collaboration with artists Kereama Taepa and Poi Ngawati and the team at Guardians – Ahiauaha, the work transforms the principles of the Tiaki Promise into a permanent public expression of care, guardianship and connection to place.
Anzac Tasker says the mural is designed to inspire reflection and shared responsibility.
“Tiaki embodies the responsibility we each hold to care for our home every day. This mural serves as both a visual statement and a call to action — inviting domestic and international visitors alike to move through this place with the mindset of guardians.
“It reflects a shared set of values rooted in protection, respect and belonging, and now stands prominently in the heart of New Zealand’s largest city, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.”
Tourism New Zealand General Manager Pou Ārahi Māori Karl Burrows, says making sure the Tiaki Promise shows up all across New Zealand is an important way to get the attention of visitors throughout their journey.
"The Tiaki Promise is a kaupapa for all of the industry to embrace and share with our manuhiri (visitors), it's great to see it take pride of place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
“This mural is a beautiful and enduring expression of the principles to care for and protect New Zealand, and we hope locals and visitors alike will take notice and share this piece of public art far and wide."
Beyond TRENZ 2026, the mural will remain as a permanent addition to Auckland’s public art landscape and will be included in Te Paparahi Toi Māori, the Auckland Art Walk guide that brings Māori culture and history to life through public spaces across the city.
Fast Facts
- Location: Nelson Street entrance to the walkway between the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) and TVNZ.
- Artists: Anzac Tasker, Kereama Taepa, Poi Ngawati and the team at Guardians – Ahiauaha,
- Partners involved: Auckland Council, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Tourism New Zealand, Tourism Industry Aotearoa, Department of Conservation.
- Mural size/dimensions: approximately 450 square meters. 14m at its highest point.
- Tiaki means to care for and protect in te reo Māori.
- Tiaki – Care for New Zealand is a guiding principle to encourage all to care for Aotearoa New Zealand.
- The Tiaki Promise promotes responsible and safe travel behaviour and actively encourages (international and domestic) visitors to experience New Zealand in a way that keeps everyone safe, protects our environment, respects our culture and protects the country for future generations.
- Tiaki – Care for New Zealand was developed collaboratively by seven public and private sector organisations who created assets, free of charge for all tourism industry partners to promote to their staff, trade partners and customers.
- These partners are Air New Zealand, Tourism Holdings Limited, Tourism New Zealand, Department of Conservation, New Zealand Māori Tourism, Regional Tourism New Zealand, and Tourism Industry Aotearoa.
- Images available here: Image Gallery (Log in via ‘View as a guest’)