Melina’s Vision — A Reception Piece Rooted in Place
At Tides Out Maps, our mission has always been to help people feel more connected to the places that matter most to them. For Melina van Wyk and her team at OneFortyOne NZ Forest — a trans-Tasman forestry company based in Hope, Richmond, Nelson — that place was their estate nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s Top of the South.
Their request wasn’t just for a piece of art. It was for a statement — one that would greet every visitor walking through the doors of their new building with a sense of story, belonging, and awe.
A Map That Tells the ‘Whole’ Story
When Melina first reached out, she was still in the early stages of planning — exploring ideas, colours, and concepts that might reflect the land and story behind it.
“I am researching options for an artwork for our new building’s reception,” she wrote. “Personally, I like the top one better as it tells the ‘whole’ story.”
That “whole story” was a sweeping view of the Top of the South, with OneFortyOne’s estate subtly highlighted among a rich landscape of mountains, coastlines, and forest. She envisioned something clean and expansive — a calm, beautiful piece that wouldn’t overwhelm the space, but would still anchor it with meaning.
“It might be doable to keep the main areas reasonably basic with a focus on the estate parts,” she suggested. “It would be lovely to hear your thoughts on what might be possible.”
From the outset, this was a collaboration. Melina provided estate outlines and brand colour references — calming shades of green and blue — that echoed the very terrain they worked to protect.
Designing with Care and Craftsmanship
We crafted a custom map that focused detail on the estate area while allowing the outer regions to breathe — striking a balance between function, identity, and elegance.
Though the final dimensions were still being worked out, Melina’s next step was clear: she needed something to present to her leadership team.
“Would you be able to provide a mock-up for approval by our Lead team? I can then get sizing and work towards receiving a quote from you.”
That initial mock-up became the foundation for what would soon become a centrepiece — a handcrafted artwork designed and made right here in Aotearoa.
The Final Piece: Beautiful, Functional, Admired by All
When the map was completed and delivered, Melina shared her excitement right away.
“Hiya Matt, the maps arrived safely! They're beautiful. I'll settle the invoice today and hope you'll pop in soon! I'll take some pics for you to share.”
Installed professionally on a custom track system, the piece slides open or closed as needed — blending form and function seamlessly into their reception environment.
“It looks beautiful on the wall! I had a professional mounting it — it’s on a track system so can slide close or open as preferred.”
It wasn’t just the team who loved it — the reactions from guests and colleagues poured in.
“We love our map & it is admired by everyone that sees it!! We received lots of beautiful comments!”
More Than a Map
What began as a simple inquiry turned into a centrepiece of identity and pride — a daily reminder of the whenua that grounds OneFortyOne’s work and purpose.
At Tides Out Maps, it’s our privilege to work on projects like this — maps that don’t just show a location, but celebrate connection. That tell a story. That are made to last, and made to mean something.
Want to Create Something Just as Meaningful?
Whether you're designing a corporate welcome space, commemorating a family property, or celebrating your favourite part of the world — we’d love to help.
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Let’s turn your place into a piece of art — just like we did for Melina and the team at OneFortyOne NZ Forest.