Rowan Hartigan, Kauri Site Operations Manager, says, "As a Co-op we recognise that we have an interaction with the taiao (natural world) and therefore sustainability is always front of mind."
"We all interact with the whenua (land), ngahere (bush), awa (river), and moana (sea) around us daily and we all have a role to play in our sustainability journey. We want our people to feel a genuine connection to the world around us, to care for our community and environment for generations to come."
After being inspired by a local mural, the Kauri leadership team decided a series of artworks would be a great way to encourage this connection and demonstrate their sustainability objectives.
Blair Drysdale, Kauri Environmental Manager, knew they had a talented artist in the team, Lui Peti, and approached him with the project.
Lui Peti has been a Process Operator in the cream department at the Co-operative's Kauri site for almost four years and says that for as long as he can remember he's been an artist.
"Whether it was a school project or finding a quiet spot away from my large family to draw in my sketchbook, I have always been drawn to the focus and peace that comes with it," says Lui.
"I painted acrylic on canvas throughout my 20s and sold paintings in cafes, or wherever I could get my work hung, before switching to digital art in 2017 and selling art prints of my work online."
Lui says that his inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere, "I like to create things that push my abilities as an artist. It's really rewarding when something from my mind ends up on a wall somewhere!"
After working through ideas with the team, Lui got to work drawing three digital pieces that reflected the environment surrounding the Kauri site and Northland.
"The goal with each piece was to remind everyone at Kauri why we do what we do, and to look after our environment. I wanted to show all the things that make Northland special, all the things we hold dear," says Lui Peti.
Each piece contains familiar scenes from around Northland, from Shipwreck Bay, Rainbow Falls, to Elliot Bay, seamlessly intertwined with the blue and green Fonterra brand.
"I wanted to show how Northlanders enjoy this beautiful land, from fishing, hiking, camping, and sightseeing. I also wanted to include those who we leave this land to, and so I painted my own two children, to represent the next generation who will have the chance to enjoy what we had if we look after it for them."
The artworks were unveiled to the Kaur iteam in December, "the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive," says Rowan.
Talking about the team at Kauri, Lui says:"My favourite thing is all the familiar faces. Everyone knows everyone and we all work together to get it done!"
The artworks are now on display at the Co-operative's Kauri site - each piece is titled and listed below.
Kia Kaha - Be Strong, trust in your strengths and the strength of those around you.
Kia Toa - Be Brave, seek victory of the challenges that lay ahead.
Kia Manawanui - Be Committed, stay true to the goal of making a positive change for future generations.
About Fonterra's Kauri site
Situated north of Whangārei, the site employs around 310 people and produces a range of milk powders, butters, and Anhydrous Milk Fat, which is used in chocolate, confectionery, and ice cream. In the peak season, Kauri processes up to 3 million litres of milk daily.