Life size bronze Kaimanawa Horse statue proposed for Waiouru

Kaimanawa Heritage Horses (KHH) a group interested in the welfare and preservation of the wild horses are seeking community support for erecting a life size bronze Kaimanawa horse statue in central Waiouru on SH1.

KHH will be presenting their ideas for the statue at the Waimarino-Waiouru Community Board meeting on Thursday 4 October and are hoping for a good turnout of Waiouru residents to listen to their proposal.

Council Group Manager Community Services Margaret Hawthorne said that both Council and the Army were supportive of the project given the Community Board and the Waiouru community agree and see it as a benefit to the town.

“The project team has identified a suitable site on road reserve opposite the Rangipo St intersection that is just to the north of the Army Museum,” said Mrs Hawthorne.

“We feel that the life size bronze statue set amongst raised landscaping using boulders and tussock grasses from the area will look amazing and make a really positive contribution to Waiouru’s CBD area.

The use of bronze with easy care natural elements from the surrounding area will mean long term maintenance and costs will be minimal.”

KHH spokesperson Alan Buscke said they are not asking for any ratepayer money to go toward the cost of the statue or landscaping.

“If the project gets the go ahead the goal is to raise around $130,000 and we already have a number of fund raising ideas in mind,” he said.

“The Kaimanawa horses are already strongly identified with Waiouru and the Desert Rd and the statue will help strengthen this special connection.

It is envisaged that it will not only be a great local attraction that will give people another reason to stop but help to raise public awareness and support for the long term welfare of the wild herd.”

Mr Buscke said KHH would like to warmly invite Waiouru residents and other interested people to come along and hear their presentation to the Community Board.

“People wanting more information on KHH’s work should see our website kaimanawaheritagehorses.org or our Facebook page.

The Community Board meeting starts at 6.00pm on Thursday 4 October at the Waiouru Community Centre, Queree Drive, Waiouru.”
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