Ocean Alley New Brighton

That activation included 15 days of free events during the Easter school holidays: outdoor movies, skate workshops, kite-making, even a “Doggie Day Out.” But it’s the mural that will remain – a legacy of colour and connection.

Art as a bridge to community

From the beginning, involving young people was a priority. “New Brighton’s demographics are shifting – it’s becoming a real hotspot for young families,” says Shiels. “So we wanted to create a space that reflects and supports that.”

The mural project gave local tamariki something to be proud of. Children were given A4 fish-shaped cut-outs to design and paint, then invited to help install them along the new mural wall. “It was all about reflecting what they love about their community and putting that into their artwork.”

“When the mural was installed, we invited them to a little opening. It really helped build a connection – they were excited, proud to show it off to family and friends, and it gave them a sense of ownership over what’s happening.”

The mural has been a hit with children from Rāwhiti School.

“It is a just a small thing, but it immediately made New Brighton look nicer,” says Mattis.

“It was so cool to see all the fish up, they looked great and matched the wall,” chipped in Ava.

“The fish have their own personality because all the painting is different,” observes Ashleigh.

One of the young artists, Alia, says it was tough, but rewarding, work.

“It was hard to do the details, but we showed one of our RISE values, being resilient, to finish them, and they look good!”

The artwork also nods to New Brighton’s natural identity. “The ocean theme came through strongly – it was important to reflect New Brighton’s natural assets,” says Shiels. As Lucy notes, “the fish make it look like the actual ocean. I love it!”

The mural sits across from another community-designed piece, an octopus created by the Driftwood Council of Brighton, further tying the space to its beachside roots.

Building a future with and for the community

Ocean Alley is part of a long-term vision for New Brighton. The project connects to a broader plan to revitalise the north-south corridor and reinforce the town centre as a vibrant, people-focused destination.

“It helps people imagine future possibilities,” says Shiels. “It’s hard to picture a vibrant space when you're just looking at a vacant lot – but if you’ve experienced something great there, it shifts the conversation.’”

By working with over 27 partners – including schools, local artists, landowners and community groups – ChristchurchNZ and the Council ensured this wasn’t a top-down project. “Local partners know their communities best, so it was important we worked alongside them.”

Looking ahead, Council funding has been allocated for future development, and feedback gathered during the Ocean Alley project is helping shape what comes next. Community events are already being planned, and a transport review is underway to guide longer-term decisions.

A fresh chapter for New Brighton

Ocean Alley is a small space, but it’s making a big impact – helping to shift perceptions of New Brighton alongside the wider New Brighton Regeneration Project.

“We’re seeing changes in demographics, more visitors, increased private investment – there’s real confidence in the area now,” says Shiels. “It’s starting to look great, it feels vibrant, and if you visit now, you can be part of that journey.”

So next time you find yourself near the coast, take a stroll through Ocean Alley. You might just see a small fish with bright orange fins – and a community coming to life around it.

Key takeaways

• The Ocean Alley mural was designed in collaboration with six local schools and several after-school groups.
• Ocean Alley is part of a long-term vision for New Brighton.
• The project connects to a broader plan to revitalise the north-south corridor and reinforce the town centre as a vibrant, people-focused destination.