25 MARCH 2019

The giant steel Tyrannosaurus Rex known as Colin has found a new home.

The 6.5-tonne metal sculpture is moving from behind his fence in Dowse Square to Avalon Park where he will take up residence in the eastern end of the pond.

Colin was created by Hutt Valley firms Macaulay Metals and Real Steel for the 2018 HighLight: Carnival of Lights, and then donated for auction with all money raised going to support Te Omanga Hospice. Through donations from Chris MacKay and E Tu Awakairangi Public Arts Trust the sculpture has now been gifted to Hutt City Council.

The pond at Avalon was drained at the beginning of March due to maintenance work needing to be carried out and the base for Colin has also been constructed over that time, ready to mount the feature which will be located in the centre of the eastern side of the pond, between the bridge and the cascade.

Mayor Ray Wallace says "Colin is an amazing sight and we wanted to ensure he was on display somewhere a lot of people could enjoy him. Avalon Park is already one of the jewels in the crown of our city rejuvenation plan, and with Colin now standing tall in the pond with his head facing towards the southern entrance, he'll be a real eye-catcher for those entering the park and walking up the bridge."

The location in the pond is not accessible from land, ensuring the safety of both Colin and the public.

The pond at Avalon park will be refilled once the maintenance work to the entire pond has been completed.

ENDS

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