Kati Kati Loses June Carlton

June Carlton Will be Long Remembered

June Carlton, the inspirational leader of the Katikati Open-Air Arts Programme since its inception, sadly died earlier this month after a short illness. She was given a wonderful send off by both Maori and Pakeha for she was one of those people who could and did unify us all and bring out the best in us.

June will also be fondly remembered worldwide as the initiator in 1996 of the first 'International Murals Festival’ now institutionalised in the Global Association as its biennial Global Conference. In that year those who were to go on and found the Global Association gathered in Katikati on June’s initiative for a memorable 'first' assembly. June was especially delighted that Sheffield, Tasmania was recently selected to host the 2008 Global Conference once again bringing us all together in Australasia where the 'murals movement' for economic regeneration has been so strongly taken forward.

In the year before her death she worked closely with the Open-Air Art committee at large and with Steve Graveson in particular to ensure fine leadership for the future. Last year the committee organised a Magical Mystery Tour for June and her husband Colin who was fully involved in the murals also. It enabled the whole community to say “Thanks” for a job well done and on reflection, was perfectly timed. Colin died suddenly in May this year.

We all wish Steve and the whole team at Katikati all the very best for their future as they sustain and advance their 'great project' which June held so dear, and did so much to accomplish for 14 years.