Controversial sculpture finally unveiled
BY KERI MOLLOY
What’s said to be the biggest and arguably the most significant public sculpture in New Zealand, has finally unveiled, after years of controversy about its location in Kerikeri.
The 11-metre work of stacked boulders and bronze elements in five columns was designed by Kerikeri sculptor Chris Booth 30 years ago.
The internationally acclaimed artist has long envisaged the work for his home town.
Funded by an anonymous donor, the $500,000 work became embroiled in controversy when the community opposed loss of open green space to accommodate it.
A compromise, negotiated by Far North mayor Wayne Brown, finally saw the sculpture stand near the entrance to the Domain, which is retained for sport and recreation. Landscaping is still to be completed.
With a base diameter of about 16 metres, the water sculpture, named Te Whi-ringa o Manoka, is designed to be interactive. The name, chosen by local hapu Ngati Rehia translates as ‘interweaving of cultures in Kerikeri’.
The work is also about a weaving together of earth, water and sky, joy and tears, Mr Booth said at the unveiling on Sunday.
Water cascaded down its columns for the first time, while New Zealand soprano Ramonda Taleni, who flew in from overseas for the event, performed two waiata, one of which was written for the occasion by New Zealand composer Gillian Whitehead.
Local identity John Dalton formally declared the sculpture open. Known as the ‘father’ of The Centre, Mr Dalton has promoted theatre and the arts in Kerikeri for more than 40 years.
On behalf of the donor, Barrie Brown said there were three elements that came into play in achieving this work that will bring people to Northland from throughout the country and beyond – the donor, a far-sighted mayor and a world-renowned sculptor.
A charitable trust was established last year to administer the anonymous donation for the commissioning and construction of the sculpture and water feature.
The council allocated up to $150,000 for the Domain redevelopment project, including sculpture installation costs.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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