Goat Island art completed for summer

3 November 2005

Goat Island art completed for summer

A sculptural enhancement has been completed at the new Goat Island Marine Reserve toilet and changing facilities in time for the influx of summer visitors.

In a joint initiative with the Department of Conservation, Rodney District Council commissioned local artist Peter Oxborough to enhance the facilities with an artwork that reflects the unique natural environment at Goat Island.

The installation has been created from stainless steel and in a simple design depicts waves and the creatures that inhabit the marine environment below and above the sea.

Mr Oxborough says it was a challenging, but hugely satisfying project.

"The brief required that the art had to be maintenance free and able to withstand the elements, which is why I chose to work with stainless steel for the first time," says Mr Oxborough who is renowned for his pottery and sculpture.

On the privacy screens in front of the facilities, two wave motifs are inscribed with the words:
'It seems the ocean did give birth to all the living things on earth.
It makes good sense for all of us to care for it and recognise its worth'.

With the support of Ngati Manuhiri, the sentiment of the words is also inscribed in Maori, recognising the historic importance of the area to the hapu and the important role Goat Island Marine Reserve plays in the conservation and protection of the sea and the creatures that live in it.

"This was extremely important to me to reflect all that is unique and yet so typical of New Zealand," says Peter who came to New Zealand from the English midlands in 1956.

Goat Island Marine Reserve is visited by over 330,000 people every year and is used extensively for scientific research, learning to dive and experiencing the wonders of the marine and coastal environment.

ENDS

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