Artwork to be unveiled

The much anticipated Queenstown Airport sculpture will be unveiled at a ceremony on Friday, Aspiring Arts and Culture Trust chairwoman Janet Malloch said.

The artwork, which began with the trust seeking expressions of interest from artists in September, last year, has been completed by successful candidate Mark Hill of Arrowtown.

“The work, involving three tall structures, has a Maori influence and celebrates the manawhenua or people of the land,” Ms Malloch said.

Entitled ‘welcome o visitors from afar’ the work was created in consultation with Te Ao Marama Incorporated (representing the four papatipu runanga of Murihiku).

In particular the moko, featured on the work was carefully researched with the assistance of Lakes District Museum director David Clarke and Murihiku Komatua Michael Skerrett.

“Representatives of the tribe will be on hand to bless the work at the official opening at 7.30am on Friday. I think it will be a very special and emotional moment,” Ms Malloch said.

The sculpture will be installed in the airport’s new landscaped courtyard.

“It will be a striking welcome to Queenstown, given that the backdrop for the work is the Remarkables Mountain Range. The trust is absolutely delighted with the piece,” Ms Malloch said.

Members of the public were very welcome to attend the brief, daybreak opening.