Chorus Cabinets Bring Colour and Creativity to Manawatū

Once plain, utilitarian green boxes, they are now vibrant artworks that brighten and beautify neighbourhoods across the Manawatū District — while continuing to serve their practical purpose.

The Chorus Cabinet Art Initiative began in Auckland in 2010 as a pilot project aimed at reducing vandalism on utility cabinets. Its success quickly led to national expansion, with approximately 170 cabinets receiving mural makeovers each year.

This year, four Manawatū locations were chosen:

• Himatangi Beach
• Cheltenham
• Denbigh Street, Feilding
• Waugh Road, Feilding

Local artist Alana Mays brought her creative flair to three of the sites — Himatangi Beach, Cheltenham, and Waugh Road — while the Denbigh Street cabinet was painted by Shemah Ladlada.

With an impressive number of submissions this year, the Council showcased all design entries at the Manawatū Community Hub Libraries, where the public was invited to vote for their favourite. The People's Choice Award went to Hannya Horizon for a striking design featuring three Japanese-inspired masks.

This is the third year that Council has participated in the Chorus Cabinet Art Project with a total of 12 cabinets having been painted throughout the district.

To learn more about the Chorus Cabinet Art Initiative, visit: Cabinet art project | Chorus NZ