The first addition to the envisioned sculpture trail is named Pouākai, a bronze Haast’s eagle cutting a striking image in the Waikaia Forest Trails Pump Park.
The sculpture, crafted by artisans at Wanaka Metalworks, was the brainchild of locals Andrew and Viv Dickson and Jeannie Dyer.
The trio hosted monthly arthouse film screenings at the Switzers Masonic Lodge, with all proceeds going towards the sculpture.
Mrs Dickson said this was a perfect way to raise money.
‘‘The three of us really do love art, and movies, so having the theatre [lodge] funding this project was great,’’ she said.
Additional funding also came from the Southland District creative communities scheme, the Ardlussa Community Board, and the Southland District Council.
Now the sculpture was up, Mrs Dickson said it was an amazing addition to the town.
‘‘We love wandering around Waikaia and seeing others do the same, and it’s great having something like this.
‘‘There are already so many special things about Waikaia, and it’s just another addition,’’ she said.
The project has been a long time in the making, as Mrs Dickson said it was important to do it right for the town.
‘‘We’ve spent seven years getting this far, and we had the money, but wanted to wait and create something perfect to start with,’’ she said.
‘‘We’re pretty conscious that others are seeing this; we wanted people to be on board.’’
Mrs Dyer said the community response had been fantastic.
‘‘I think they’re proud of it. That’s the sense I’m getting,’’ she said.
Mrs Dyer said it was important to give back, and maintain what made Waikaia special.
‘‘We’re great lovers of our town.
‘‘We’re here to help our town remain a perfect little nub, and art contributes to that feeling,’’ she said.
The eventual goal is more sculptures in the town, with a sculpture trail in the works for Waikaia.
