LPC is proud to sponsor a stunning new Ōtautahi mural by local environmental organisation Blue Cradle. Wespoke to Project Coordinator Natasha S. McIntosh to find out more about the project and how Blue Cradle is making a difference for our oceans.

What is Blue Cradle?

Blue Cradle is a non-profit organisation that aims to encourage people to take action by making ocean science and conservation more accessible. Our activities are diverse, from facilitating research expeditions to working with local artists who inspire a love of the natural world.

How did the idea for the mural come about?

Ōtautahi is an amazing city for street art, and we knew a mural would make a big impact. When our artists Richie “Popx” Baker and Olly Kade jumped on board, we knew we were going to create something really special.
Support from sponsors like LPC has been invaluable too.

What does the mural represent?

The mural is called The Ocean is in our Hands. It shows two hands holding a blue Earth, layered with some of New Zealand’s amazing marine animals. Human influences like climate change, pollution, acidification and overfishing are all having a negative effect on ocean health. As kaitiaki of the moana, it’s our responsibility to take care of the marine world. Not only is the ocean’s fate in our hands, but our fate is also in the ocean’s hands!

Where will the mural be located?

We’ve secured a high-profile corner spot next to The Crossing and the bus interchange. By locating it in the CBD, we can bring a little piece of the ocean to people who may not get to see it every day. It will help remind people that Christchurch is a seaside city and that our everyday choices can impact the ocean.

Do you have any other projects in the works?

Yes! We’ve just finished taking part in a research expedition in Fiordland that is looking at the impacts of microplastic pollution and non-indigenous species using environmental DNA (eDNA). We also have a few upcoming projects for events like Days of Ice and World Ocean Day, so stay tuned for those. On that note – if anyone is interested in collaborating or becoming a sponsor, we are always keen to have a chat!

What advice would you give to people who want to help take care of the ocean environment?

Start small and learn as much as you can. Recycle. Buy less plastic. Ride your bike to work. Join a community group to do beach clean-ups. Talk to your tamariki and mokopuna about how their actions have an
impact. And get out there! Be inspired. It’s a beautiful world, and it deserves protecting.

To learn more about Blue Cradle and find out how you can make a difference, head to bluecradle.org.