Colour brings life to Auckland City Mission's 'Good Stuff' Op Shop

11 Sep 2024

Auckland City Mission’s Op Shop, Good Stuff, in Eden Terrace recently underwent a transformation, turning its once plain white walls into a vibrant, eye-catching mural that now serves as a beacon of colour and creativity for the local community.  

This project, brought to life with a unique design and vibrant Resene colour, has not only brightened the store but has also provided valuable mural painting experience for a group of dedicated volunteers. 

Good Stuff caters to a wide range of customers, from the trendy to the eco-conscious, and has always been more than just a retail space. It’s a place where sustainability meets style, and where every purchase supports the charitable work of Auckland City Mission. However, the store’s initial appearance didn’t quite match the vibrancy of its mission – that’s where mural artist and shop manager, Ellie Skeet, saw an opportunity. 

“The store had so much potential to be more than just a place to shop,” says Ellie. “We wanted to create something that would not only catch the eyes of passers-by but also bring joy and a sense of community to those who see it.  

All of the unique and quirky characters in the mural, painted in Resene Energy Yellow, Resene Colour Me Pink, Resene Anchor, Resene Energise, Resene Style Pasifika Purple Flax, Resene French Lilac, Resene Digital Blue, Resene Coconut Cream, Resene Red Tape, Resene Kaitoke Green, Resene English Holly, Resene Black and Resene White. 

The mural, which now graces the entrance of the store, was a true community effort. Ellie collaborated with Nikko Madrigal from Auckland City Mission to design the mural, drawing inspiration from the local Uptown area. The mural features a diverse lineup of characters, including a beloved local pup, and the colours and shapes reflect the funky, eclectic mix of sustainable fashion that fills the store. 

A joint effort to paint the mural including Ellie and a team of volunteers, brings the Good Stuff store to life.  

Under Ellie’s guidance, a team of volunteers, including Vicki Watson, a fashion student, Nilla Loheni, the Retail Depot Coordinator, and Tony Shaw, a long-time volunteer, spent months working on the mural during the shop’s opening hours. The painting process, which took place between March and June, generated significant buzz around the store, drawing in curious locals and adding to the lively atmosphere of the area. 

The colour palette for the mural was carefully selected to align with Good Stuff’s brand and the vibrant energy of the neighbourhood. Resene paints provided the perfect range of hues to bring the mural to life, including the shades Resene Energy Yellow, Resene Colour Me Pink, Resene Anchor, Resene Energise, Resene Style Pasifika Purple Flax, Resene French Lilac,Resene Digital Blue, Resene Coconut Cream, Resene Red Tape, Resene Kaitoke Green, Resene English Holly, Resene Black and Resene White.  

The vibrant colours and characters in the mural reflect the eclectic fashion within Good Stuff.  

These colours were chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ability to evoke emotions of joy and excitement in those who see the mural. The mural begins at the front door, guiding visitors into the store with a burst of colour that complements the eclectic mix of fashion inside. 

“The mural has created a lot of buzz around the store and has become a talking point in the community,” Ellie says. “We are incredibly proud of the result, and it’s been amazing to see the positive reaction from both our customers and the local community.” 

Good Stuff’s mural is more than just a decorative addition to the store, it’s a symbol of the creativity, collaboration and community spirit that defines Auckland City Mission.  

Get in touch with Ellie at ellie.s@aucklandcitymission.org.nz  

Published: 11 Sep 2024