Mayoral portrait a nod to ‘special moment’

Memories of special mahi and a final cup of coffee have contributed to the official photographic portrait of former Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins. 

Unveiled by the Dunedin City Council yesterday, the portrait is the work of Port Chalmers artist Chris Schmelz, who specialises in photography and film.

It was taken in front of sculpture Ko to Tūhono in the Octagon.

In a statement, Mr Hawkins said when it came to choosing a setting, "there was a shortlist of one".

"The arrival of Ko to Tūhono in the Octagon was a special moment during my time as mayor," he said. 

"It was the first public art the city had commissioned in well over a decade, and it faces back towards Ōtākou — speaking to the growing strength of the relationship between council and mana whenua in recent years.

"I’m proud of council’s efforts under my leadership to build a brighter future for Ōtepoti Dunedin and a more people-friendly CBD, and Ko to Tūhono is a potent symbol of that mahi." 

Mr Hawkins was also pleased his photograph has been finished using a caffenol process, meaning — in a final nod to the rigours of public life — it had developed in a solution of caffeine.

"I couldn’t think of a better way to finish it off than with one last mug of filter coffee."

Mr Hawkins, previously a two-term councillor, was mayor from 2019 until 2022.

In 2023, the council voted to replace oil portraiture with photographs to document its elected leaders; Mr Hawkins’ was the first official photographic portrait to be taken of a former mayor.

The $2800 cost of the portrait will be met by the council. It will be stored at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery until refurbishment of the Municipal Chambers is complete, where it will then be displayed. —APL