Media Release

20 May 2009

Ranui unveils new community-designed sculpture

A new sculpture referencing the strong link between the Maori, Croatian and Pacific Island communities in Ranui and Massey – will be unveiled at a local park on May 27.

Six different community groups have spent the last 12 months working on the 4.75 metre high sculpture, which will stand in Urlich Reserve, near the corner of Swanson and Birdwood Roads in Ranui.

The sculpture was created by Project Twin Streams Ranui-Massey community groups, who have adopted sections of stream bank alongside Swanson, Waimoko and Momotu Streams. 

The idea of an identity marker emerged through consultation with the community groups and was expanded through community consultation at planting days, markets and the Ranui community centre.

The sculpture consists of three components, each with its own significance and meaning.  The first is a concrete base with a band of mosaic tiles referencing traditional Maori designs, created by students from Te Piataata Trust and Birdwood Primary School.  The second section is decorated with mosaics made by the Croatian community, Liston College and Agape Trust.  These panels represent the growth of plant life in the area with alternate segments representing Maori eel traps.  The top section features a native wood pigeon made out of concrete and mosaic tiles, surrounded by stainless steel leaf-like designs that can be interpreted in a variety of ways; as a Pacific flower, waka paddle or planting spade.   This section plays homage to the local Pacific culture and has been designed and constructed by Engineering Industry Training students.

Sina Mead from Engineering Industry Training Ltd- an alternative education unit working with 13 to 17 year olds – says it has been “very inspiring” to work with Project Twin Streams  on the sculpture.  

“We have been involved with the sculpture right from the beginning.  From the design to the construction and finally helping to erect the completed sculpture, it has been inspirational for the students to see how the project went from the plans to becoming a reality,” she says.

“ I have told the students they are making history – many will continue to live in the area and in the future they will be able to bring their children to the sculpture and show them what they helped to create and what they were a part of.  It will become a point of reference for them.”

Adrianna Corono was also involved with the project through her work with intellectual disability care provider, Agape Trust.

“ It was so beautiful being part of this project – the students of Agape Trust are so proud of their work and their involvement with Project Twin Streams, both in the trees they are planting and the work they have done on the sculpture.  They can feel very isolated from the community, so it was really exciting for them to contribute,” Adrianna says.

Project Twin Streams is a council/community partnership project where local residents and groups work with local co-ordinators to get involved in restoring their local streams.  The Ranui Massey area is managed by Te Ukaipo Mercy Initiatives for Rangatahi Ltd with support from Ranui Action Project. Waitakere City Council receives funding from the Auckland Regional Council to undertake Project Twin Streams. The sculpture project received additional funding through a generous grant from Creative Communities New Zealand, and local funding from Te Ukaipo and Ranui Action Project.

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