Pania and Hammerhead

by Lauren YS

Napier, NZ – March 2016

Artist

Finding This Mural

72 West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier 4110, New Zealand

Google Map

Story Behind This Mural

Artist Statement

My mural focuses on the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, very few of which have ever been tagged, a project co-led by PangeaSeed Foundation. My design pulls in the local Maori myth of Pania and Moremore - a sea-fairy and her shapeshifting shark son, now said to be the guardian of Napier waters--to show that we must in turn act as guardians of the sharks. Pania channels data via satellite from the tagged shark, whose fin has been damaged by shark finners. Thank you to the amazing local Maori women Piiata and Jenny for helping me create this image! My aim was to utilize local myth bring attention to real issues- and to stir support for this shark-tagging project with the ultimate goal of creating a Marine Protected Area (MPA) for these animals.

The Focus

Shark conservation

Take Action

Help conserve shark populations by:

  • Refrain from consuming shark fins and meat
  • Purchase cosmetic/health products that don't contain squalene (shark liver oil)
  • Avoid pet food that list 'white fish' as an ingredient as it likely is shark
  • Support responsible shark tourism operations and experience the animals in their natural habitat