Media release
4 April 2005
Paremuka Bridge Arts Project
BACKGROUND
The bridge to link Munroe Road and Summerland Drive to Henderson Valley and Ranui/Swanson, will be the first road-bridge
undertaken by Waitakere City Council in line with the Council’s Arts/Design policy.
The City Development Committee requested an arts intervention for this project to enhance the bridge and complement the
art features in the Paremuka Reserve.
Road and Transport Assets in conjunction with Public Affairs/ Arts has contracted Italian-born sculptor Chiara
Corbelletto as the artist. The choice of this artist was made on the basis of work submitted for the SH16/18 arts
project, which demonstrated a wide understanding of materials and structural form.
The selected arts intervention is currently undergoing the detailed design stage, where the artist is researching
methods of making and installing the work on to the bridge, so that it meets all the statuary requirements for a traffic
bridge.
Chiara Corbelletto has been working through the developed design stage of the project. She has focused on the technical
issues of constructing and finishing the artwork.
The artist has looked at a variety of options for the treatment and finishing of the surfaces of the work. Some
interesting options have been explored for applying colour to the work. These technologies are high performance
engineering coatings designed to withstand extremes of temperature, weather and U.V. exposure.
“This project furthers Waitakere City Council’s commitment to the Arts and the Arts/Design process,” says Arts and
Events Special Committee Chair Councillor Judy Lawley.
“It enhances the Paremuka Reserve area as an arts destination (in conjunction with the Eel-man and Wai-Manu sculptures)
and will become an essential stop on the proposed coast-to-coast walkway. It continues the programme of arts bridges
that are proving to be a real attraction for local people and visitors to the city,” says Councillor Lawley.
- Paremuka - The name Paremuka means literally to scrape flax. This presumably came about because a certain type of
harakeke (flax) was harvested along the banks of the stream and prepared to make muka, a fine thread used in traditional
clothing and taonga.
The Paremuka concept applies the theme of flax weaving to the bridge. The patterns will run the entire length of the
bridge, replacing a barrier railing, and connect with entry statements at either end. Lights will incorporate the same
motif but will be distinguished at night by the negative form within the motif units.
ENDS