Having recently enjoyed some years living in one of Europe’s seriously cool cities, Berlin, it was a constant joy to come across zany, fun, challenging street art of which a few examples appear below.

Returning to Taupo, our spiritual home for many decades, I continue to be impressed by the township's development. It's wider footpaths, myriad cafes, thoughtful landscaping, increasing places to park bikes and the wonderful artwork along the foreshore makes the town feel welcoming and fun. As it is. 

Much of this is what one hopes for and, perhaps, even expects...but what I really did not expect, and as a consequence it totally delights on the upside, is the fantastic street art hidden away in so many of the back alleys and out-of-sight parking lots behind the key shopping streets. The quality of this Taupo artwork equals that of many cool cities and it's appeal is amplified by the fact it is not out there 'in your face' but rather much of it is there, hidden away, seemingly indifferent to whether it is seen, appreciated or not. Now that is cool...

I'm not sure which is my favourite...they are all so entrancing, but I often now slip away off the beaten track to say 'hi' to cool Mr G, or the handsome St Bernard loitering outside 'The Storehouse' or hip Mr Owl enjoying his favourite musical beats. 

I remember being a bit perplexed some years back when then PM Helen Clark took on the additional portfolio of Minister of Culture and Arts when traditionally Prime Ministers took on those 'more serious' portfolios of say Defence or Foreign Affairs. But I came to see the wisdom of that decision as it reflected a recognition that it is as important to nurture the 'soul' of a country as it is to protect it from harm. Promoting a country's art, music, theatre, film helps shape a country and it reflects well on Taupo, I think, that the township is adding its own bit of magic to that landscape in a fun and interesting way.

Credit: Rupert Holborow.