Earlier this week I was contacted by Keep Dunedin Beautiful (KDB) and the Otago Daily Times (ODT), with confirmation that the cats have been saved. Instead, a new mural will be integrated above the existing mural, with a design made by Dunedin school pupils.

This was confirmed today, with a photo and article in the ODT (page 5, Saturday 8 February).

The new design is integrated into the old, with the tree at the left extended up the full height of the wall, and the blue sky colour retained.

"Ōtepoti" is of course the Māori name for Dunedin, and each letter has been designed with attention to local culture and landmarks, such as Baldwin Street, Larnach Castle, Penguins and the University.

I know some people would just prefer the wall be left alone, as is. But, as I said to the ODT, I feel this is the best compromise we could have hoped for. The old mural will not be removed, and the plain grey concrete space above the mural will be brightened up with some new student art.

In my mind, this is a victory for common sense and will see beloved street art "added to, rather than painted over."