If you saw the article in the ODT earlier this week, or heard me being interviewed on Radio NZ, you probably already know what is coming: I am truly delighted to announce that Keep Dunedin Beautiful (KDB) have agreed to keep the existing cat mural as it is, in its entirety.

Specifically, my understanding is that:

1. The current mural will be kept as is, with no changes to the existing artwork.
2. The trees at either side of the mural will be extended upwards, painted on the plain concrete above the existing mural and seamlessly extending the height of the mural.
3. An additional, complimentary design will be added above the existing mural, designed by students from several local schools.

An artist is working on a sketch of the additional design, but this will not be ready until some time in January. I will share this sketch as soon as I receive it.

I think this is the best compromise we could possibly have hoped for, and the "win-win" I sought from day one. To reiterate, the current mural will be preserved as it is, and the blank concrete space above it will add the "next generation" of the mural, also designed with the input of local school kids, just as the original 1989 mural was, 35 years ago.

I'm very interested to hear your feedback on this outcome - please email me at fraserdoug+cats@gmail.com if you want to make any comment to me.

This has been a really amazing experience as I have been overwhelmed by positive and moving messages from people all over the world, who have a personal connection with the mural. The mural has been publicised in the media and national radio and the response has been very powerful.

While this is a victory, I don't think our work is done quite yet! We still need to raise funds to see it updated and protected. I am told that Resene paints are giving very generous assistance, but the "Graffiti Guard" overcoat paint is still $800 per can (!!!) 

The budget for the revised work is a very hefty $13,000, and will of course have the expense of scissor lifts and traffic management (more 🦺🦺🦺 orange cones!) while the extra work is being done at height.

Therefore, I am asking you to dig deep and consider donating, using the KDB "Givealittle" donation page for this project. (I have already made a personal donation). They are seeking $3000 but I am hopeful we can exceed that. If every signatory on this petition donated just $10, we would immediately exceed the entire fundraising goal.

We have already amazed KDB with our passion, let's now amaze them with our generosity, to make sure the mural is preserved for generations to come.

The Givealittle link is https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-paint-a-welcome-to-the-city

I know this time of year can be hard financially, so please do not feel obligated to donate a large amount. Even a few dollars will be greatly appreciated.

Once again, you can send personal feedback to me about this outcome, at fraserdoug+cats@gmail.com.

When we have the final artist's sketch, I will share this and then confirm this petition has achieved victory.

Thanks once again to every one of you, and all the very best for a Merry Christmas, a happy holiday season and a great New Year in 2025.