Students from Hagley College have painted a heartfelt mural for their new neighbours at Rānui House, the South Island’s largest patient accommodation facility.
The mural, titled Keeping Families Close – Moments That Matter, will be installed at Rānui House on Cambridge Terrace and was designed by Hagley’s art students through a series of SCAPE Public Art workshops.
Bone Marrow Cancer Trust CEO Mandy Kennedy said it had been “incredible” to see young people connect with Rānui and the families who stay there while undergoing medical treatment.
“Seeing these wonderful young people engage with Rānui and really connect with the work we do and the families we serve has been just incredible,” she said.
Rānui and Hagley College became neighbours following the opening of Rānui Apartments on Selwyn Street in November 2024.
“When we met our new neighbours at Hagley, they were immediately interested in working together to create an authentic connection between the work we do and their students. The result is this incredible mural which encapsulates the meaning of Rānui and reflects the deep emotional connection it holds for so many,” Kennedy said.
That emotional connection is something Bronte Hardy understands well. She is staying at Rānui with her husband and two children while receiving treatment for leukaemia at Christchurch Hospital.
Bronte’s diagnosis came the day after her daughter’s fourth birthday in September last year.
“It tipped our world upside down. I was shaken to the core. It’s those really scary moments that make you realise what is most important and that it could be ripped away from you,” she said.
Bronte initially received treatment in Dunedin, but her family had to travel more than three hours from Wānaka every weekend to see her.
Now in Christchurch, she said being together at Rānui had transformed the experience.
“As soon as we got here, I felt like I could breathe again. They wrapped their arms around us and just did everything — helped us find the kids’ schools, helped keep them entertained, brought us food and baking from amazing volunteers. It’s all meant the world.
“They bring light into what can be dark, dark days. The kids run into the lounge like it’s their own — it truly does feel like home here.”
The mural spans eight panels and was developed in SCAPE workshops led by Education Manager Sarah Ackerley with mentoring from local artist Jenna Ingram of Fiksate Gallery. Students explored drawing techniques, mural design and the emotional themes at the heart of Rānui’s mission.
Ingram said the mural was designed to resonate with people of all ages, while conveying warmth, compassion and support.
“The students chose an evening setting to add a sense of calm, comfort, and warmth to the overall composition. Key values and sentiments are illustrated throughout, including togetherness, aroha, a place of solace, welcoming, kai shared from the heart, and hugs,” she said.
Familiar Christchurch landmarks like the Avon Boat Sheds, the Arts Centre and Botanical Gardens form the mural’s backdrop.
“We hope the final mural will be seen as both joyful and meaningful — an engaging, playful piece that honours the incredible work of Rānui and reflects the deep emotional connection it holds for so many,” Ingram said.
When Bronte saw the concept images, she said it brought tears to her eyes.
“It represents Rānui so beautifully. You can see the story and really feel it. Each part of the eight panels I looked at I could relate to — they were experiences I had.”
Kennedy said the mural was a shining example of community collaboration.
“The project was generously funded through the Christchurch City Council’s Creative Communities Fund, and our good friends at Resene donated the paint. This is a shining example of community collaboration, and we’re sure it’s the start of a wonderful relationship with our new neighbours at Hagley.”
