Grand Kapiti sculptural trail will get 'world-wide attention'

BY RACHAEL FERGUSSON

The idea for a life-size whale sculpture in Kapiti is part of an even bigger plan for an eventual "sculptural trail" along the Coast.

Mike Fuller and Gavin Bradley plan to build a $3.5 million life-sized sculpture of seven humpback whales in Otaki, Paraparaumu, or Paekakariki.

The men say Whale Song would be a "total experience", and have plans to add an education centre and performance venue to the piece.

Mr Fuller, a cinematographer, came up with the concept a couple of years ago.

He said the whales would be made out of cast aluminium and coated in bronze. The largest would be about 17 metres long, and the smallest about five metres.

The whales would blow water from their spouts, from a self-contained pond, and the footprint below them would represent ocean currents and the continental shelf.

Mr Fuller said whales were very relevant to the area, and Kapiti had rich whaling history.

"We've got a piece of water out there between the mainland and Kapiti Island, which you get whales going through on a yearly basis on an annual migration and nobody knows anything about them."

Mr Bradley said the sculpture was part of a bigger picture. It would become the half-way point of a walking or cycling trail.

Over years and even decades, other artists would create other animals that represented the Nature Coast, and people would be able to walk from one sculpture to the next, he said.

Mr Fuller said the "sculptural trail" was long-term. It was one of the dreams, and not incorporated in the costs.

"It is ultimately what it could be."

Mr Bradley said the sculpture had gained a lot of support.

"This isn't a big carrot, it's not a big L&P bottle, it's not a big pineapple, this is something on a grand scale that will get attention around the world."

He said Kapiti could not think "like a small community, we have got to think that this is worth the investment because it is going to put so much back into this community".

He said it would create jobs for young people, there would be opportunities for new businesses, tour operators, restaurants, accommodation, and transport operators.

The sculpture would have a long-term economic impact on the region and boost tourism numbers.

"This is something we can own as Coasters, I think something we can be really proud of."

He said it would "enhance the mana of the region", and be something that "unites what is quite an unusual geographic region".

Mayor Jenny Rowan backed the project, and was helping raise $70,000 for a feasibility study and business plan.

- Kapiti Observer