This colourful mural in the narrow Lions Lane which runs between Post Shop-Jensen’s and Sy Bakehouse & Café, was a gift to the children of Katikati and the surrounding district. The idea came from June Carlton who did much of the artwork herself over a period of about 18 months.

June and her helpers set out to capture the fun and nostalgia of much loved toys from the past. They began with toys from the 1870s – the time when Katikati’s Irish pioneers arrived to settle the land and continued with loved children’s characters since then.The biggest challenges were designing a mural suitable for such a narrow space and the use of plywood cut-outs to achieve the 3D effect which brings the panels to life.

Around 350 Katikati children took part in a colourful street parade and outdoor entertainment to celebrate completion of the mural.