Cliff Whiting and one of the working drawings for a new mural. In 1955, Whiting began teacher training at Wellington Teachers' College. From 1973-1981, Mr Whiting was an art lecturer at Palmerston North Teachers College. He encouraged the inclusion of Maori art in schools and began a program of marae visits for students. He is best known for his large scale murals. He was awarded The Order of New Zealand in 1998 in recognition of his contributions to teaching, art and the cultural heritage of New Zealand.