Wongi Wilson
Wongi Wilson is a street artist with a reputation for high-quality, large-scale works in prominent positions around Christchurch. Wongi's interest in graffiti developed at a young age and for over 25 years he has watched the art form grow from virtual non-existence to a blossoming, pervasive creative influence across New Zealand.
Wongi has played a major role in the transformation of graffiti art in Ōtautahi Christchurch and is synonymous with the rise of street art muralism in the city. From media coverage to featuring in documentaries and various publications as well as festivals, his murals have served to transform walls throughout the city and beyond.
Art explanation
Street art has played a significant role in revitalising and enriching Ōtautahi Christchurch, transforming the city's landscape, attracting visitors, and fostering a sense of community through vibrant murals and artistic installations. This piece has been designed by Wongi Wilson in a street art style showcasing the vibrancy and culture you will experience at PCOA 2025.
Standing strong and resolute we have "Te Taniwha", a Graffiti Stylised Pounamu Taniwha piece emerging from behind the Maunga (mountain).
They have a Huia (bird) feather atop and are wielding a Taiaha, which is a traditional Māori weapon used in battle but is now only used in cultural ceremonies.
The Pounamu Taniwha is a warrior and protector that protects nga taonga (treasure), maunga (mountain), awa (river), whenua (land), wharenui (meeting house) me nga Iwi o Aotearoa.
Here the whenua is representative of the Canterbury Plains with their blue braided rivers, which both stretch back towards the wharenui that humbly represents the Tangata Whenua (indigenous people) and manuhiri (visitors) of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Further back, surrounding the wharenui is the Southern Alps and further back again, the Pounamu Taniwha piece in the background, proudly poised and ready.
Specific patterns & meanings
The Koiri Kowhaiwhai pattern is running through the flat lands of the Canterbury Plains. This pattern mimics a fern shoot and represents flourishing, nurturing and self-reflection.
The maunga have the Mangopare pattern rising up throughout them. This pattern depicts the hammerhead shark and symbolises strength, resilience, courage and power.
Contact Us
Professional Conference Organisers Association Inc. IA 35380 | ARBN 136 627 088 | ABN: 3069 0730722
Phone
Maxine Tod: +61 435 103 912
Cindy Axisa: +61 435 374 476
Socials
Karakia
A karakia is a short Māori prayer or blessing used to open or close an event, helping to set the tone and bring people together. It acknowledges the space, the people, and the purpose of the gathering. This karakia has been selected by Liz Kereru (Ngāi Tūāhuriri) to align to the 2025 PCOA conference theme of connection and community.
Tuia ki runga, Tuia ki raro, Tuia ki waho, Tuia ki roto,
Tuia ki te here tangata,
Ka rongo te po, Ka rongo te ao, Haumi….e, Hui…e - Taiki….e
Unite from above, Unite from below, Unite from without, Unite from within,
Unite to connect people,
The night hears, The day hears, Join all, bind all, together as one
Meet the Artist
Wongi Wilson is a street artist with a reputation for high-quality, large-scale works in prominent positions around Christchurch.
Find out more about Wongi Wilson
Acknowledgement of Country
The PCO Association acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the Cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.