NEWS RELEASE

14 June 2001

Sculptor chosen for mayoral statue

Auckland sculptor, Tobias Twiss, has been chosen from a number of contenders to create a memorial to former Auckland City mayor, Sir Dove Myer Robinson, who was born 100 years ago tomorrow (June 15).

The sculpture is a project of his former mayoress, Dame Barbara Goodman, herself a long-serving Auckland City councillor. She heads a steering group raising funds for the statue which, it is estimated, will cost between $80,000 and $100,000. Part of the price tag and the bill for ongoing maintenance will be met by Auckland City, which is also the project¡¦s principal sponsor.

The statue of the popular mayor, commonly known as Robbie, will be erected in Aotea Square. The statue steering group is liaising with the team that won the design competition for the Aotea Precinct to determine an appropriate location. The location and treatment of the statue will be considered as part of the strategic vision for the precinct.

Contributions to the statue project are being sought from organisations and groups with a close connection to Robbie, of which there are many. His influence extended well beyond civic ties, into the business community.

Members of the public can record memories and anecdotes about Sir Dove Myer Robinson in a book held on the ground floor of the Civic Building, 1 Greys Avenue. It is also possible to make a donation towards the statue project at the same location.

Twiss, whose speciality is bronze casting, has strong credentials to take on the Robbie sculpture. A teacher and lecturer whose work has been shown at solo and group exhibitions, he has also been much written about. Twiss has taught at the Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland and has also had work commissioned by the Waitakere City Council.

If all goes to plan, it is hoped the statue will be unveiled early next year.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
„h Dame Barbara Goodman, tel: 377 9112.

© Scoop Media

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