Iconic Project - Te Papa

At Powder Coating Services (PCS), we are accustomed to the rigors of heavy industrial projects. However, our recent collaboration with celebrated artist Martin Basher and the Wellington Sculpture Trust pushed the boundaries of what we thought possible. We are proud to announce the successful completion of the powder coating for “Big Flowers for a Wild City” - the 10th recipient of the prestigious Collin Post 4 Plinths Project Award, now standing tall on the forecourt of Te Papa Tongarewa. This was no "usual" industrial job. The project required a delicate balance: the raw strength needed to support a monumental sculpture and the aesthetic finesse demanded by a world-class artist. Handling the powder coating of the bases of these sculptures reaching 6.5 meters in length and weighing over 800kg required specialized logistics and a meticulous eye for detail. Positioned at a boundary between the city and the sea, these sculptures are exposed to Wellington’s legendary elements: high UV, salt spray, and relentless wind. As a Dulux Accredited Powder Coater, we knew a mammoth project of this scale required the highest grade of powder solutions. To ensure these "flowers" remain vibrant for years to come, we utilized the Dulux Duratec Intensity Range - a high-performance coating that delivers pearlescent, "day-glow" pigments without sacrificing industrial-grade durability. The transformation within our facility was a testament to the skill of our team. Every step was a strategic collaboration between art and engineering: The Foundation: Precision application of Epoxy Grey Primer on Zinc Arc sprayed metal for maximum corrosion resistance. The Brilliance: The final application of a high-gloss finish using a bold palette: Dulux Intensity Flame, Dulux Intensity Sunshine, Dulux Intensity Tomcat, and Dulux Intensity Reef. The Turnaround: Seamless execution delivered within our standard 3–5-day window, despite the high-pressure demands of the December peak. The result is a thrilling pop of colour against the architectural backdrop of Te Papa. This project cements our reputation as a leader in New Zealand’s coating industry. It proves that whether we are handling a fleet of transport vehicles or a landmark public art installation, PCS has the capacity, the technology, and the expertise to deliver on a monumental scale. It is a privilege to have our work featured at the heart of Wellington’s waterfront, contributing to a site that provides maximum engagement for our community. We invite our professional network to visit the Te Papa forecourt and experience Martin Basher’s incredible vision in person.