A series of three mosaic murals were introduced to beautify walls in the main business area of Howick. The project was jointly coordinated by the Uxbridge Centre and the Howick Village Association. The first mosaic is on the exterior of the Citron Restaurant and Bar, on the corner of Picton and Moore Streets. The second mural depicts the former Howick Volunteer Fire Brigade, on the corner of Wellington and Picton Streets. The third depicts the Governor Hobson’s brig, Victoria, is on the wall outside the Howick Information Centre.
“This ship was very important during Howick’s settler days” said Ms Roberts, previous manager of the Uxbridge Centre. “It was a government vessel which brought people and supplies to Howick before roads were built”. Mosaic artist Gabrielle Hoffmann created the mosaics from Italian glass tiles. A small plaque with a caption explaining the artwork has been mounted beside each mosaic. The project was funded by contributions from the Creative Communities NZ Manukau City scheme, the Howick Community Board through the Social Investment Fund, the Mainstreet Fund and the Uxbridge Centre. It is hoped that the local business community will support the creation of further mosaics. If interested please phone 535 6467 or email info@uxbridge.org.nz
