A tattoo artist who is in the running for his Eye of the Taniwha concept to be fixed to a Wellington hillside says his mural reconnects the capital with its deep Maori heritage.
Stephen Maddock is competing against other designs that will greet aircraft passengers on Miramar Cutting overlooking Wellington Airport.
His idea is on a Wellington Regional Council shortlist for a permanent sign near the airport.
Mr Maddock says his artwork fits in naturally with the landscape and shows the world how proud the capital is of its Maori history.
He says if Wellingtonians want to impress the world and prove how ingenious they are, then they should vote for the Eye of the Taniwha.
Stephen Maddock says his mural takes in all of the hill - the beauty of the landscape that's always been there, enlivens the legend, or makes the myth into a legend.
A kaumatua or elder from the Wellington iwi Te Atiawa, Morrie Love, says the hillside was once a pa site and the story of how the harbour was formed is well known in Maoridom.
He says Taniwha Whataitai, with its eye moving with the wind would create the impression it was watching over the harbour.
More than 22,500 votes have been cast, with the poll closing on Friday and the winner announced on Monday 21 November.
