Image: Local Artist Brings Summer to the Square

Media Release
6th July 2005

The transformation of Manukau Square is almost complete and for visitors and residents battling the dismal weather, newly installed artwork by Manukau artist Terry Koloamatangi-Klavenes is helping brighten up the day.

Terry’s banner designs depict his interpretation of the creative brief, which was to "help create a sense of place, reflect local stories, suggest a sense of pride and belonging, and signal a site for celebration and recreation.”

Priscilla Thompson, Manukau City Council Arts Planner, says:

"Terry's designs stood out with their freshness, great use of colour and light-hearted approach. On these grey winter days they cheer us all up and in summer they'll add pizazz to the planned events programme. The banners, along with two further planned artworks, will help make the square a vibrant focal point for Manukau City."

A three metre high wooden sculpture entitled “Kaha Malosi” (Strength, Strength), by highly regarded Auckland sculptor John Ioane, is to be installed outside Kotuku house in the next few weeks.

Later in the year the major public commission for the square will be installed. The commission was won by leading New Zealand artist Dion Hitchens in collaboration with Charles Koroneho. Their project is entitled
"Cultural Outcrops" in reference to the two island-like forms that will make up the finished piece, to be positioned on the southern boundary of the Square, marking the fourth 'edge' of the site.

Parts of the Square will be open to the public in the next few weeks, with the official opening celebrations taking place on 18th and 19th November.

Artists were chosen through a formal Request for Proposal process, with all costs associated with the artworks being met through the project cost and integrated into that budget.

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