Green Islands Sculpture Finds New Home

The widely admired Green Islands sculpture, consisting of native tree look-a-likes made of No.8 fencing wire, and located on the Four Plinths outside Te Papa, is to be moved to a permanent site near the Lady Norwood Rose Garden in the Botanic Garden.

The work, by Wellington artist Regan Gentry, was installed on the Four Plinths in December 2007 after being selected from entries for a temporary sculpture to be put there for about two years. The Wellington Sculpture Trust says it is to be moved in early January to make way for the second work which will be unveiled as part of the International Festival of the Arts.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast says the Council is delighted that the sculpted trees have found such a suitable and public home. The Botanic Garden is providing the site and the foundations, with the cost of the artwork met by private donors.

"Green Islands has become one of Wellington's most popular sculpture landmarks and it's fantastic that its many admirers will be able to continue to see it on its new spot on the western slope above the rose garden," she says. "The city owes a debt of thanks to the donors who have made this possible."

The donors are the Sir Walter and Lady Rana Norwood Charitable Trust, Janet McCallum and the Richard Nelson Trust, all in association with the Wellington Sculpture Trust.

Sculpture Trust Chair Neil Plimmer says the purchase is an ideal outcome for the artist and the city. "We have had remarkably positive feedback about Green Islands. Its retention as significant Wellington public art was important for us. We particularly like the site because of its fit with the terrain and existing sculptures in the Botanic Garden. It will add to the overall 'art and nature' appeal of this part of the Botanic Garden.
"I join the Mayor in thanking the private donors who have made this transfer possible."