Aotea art works moved into storage

Terry Stringer (left) and Councillor Greg Moyle.

The big move: Artist Terry Stringer (left) discusses the relocation of his Aotea Square sculpture with Councillor Greg Moyle. "I'm delighted that it will be refurbished for another generation’s enjoyment,” he says of the sculpture he made 27 years ago.

From City Scene, published on 31 August, 2008

Some of Auckland's best-known art works will be temporarily removed from their home in Aotea Square during September, in the lead-up to the square's redevelopment.

Mountain Fountain by Terry Stringer, Sir Dove-Myer Robinson by Tobias Twiss, and Te Waharoa O Aotea by Selwyn Muru will be removed to a secure storage facility, ahead of construction in Aotea Square. They will be reinstalled in October 2010 when most of the work is expected to be completed. The sculpture Te Wero by Lyndon Smith will also be removed from the square, and may be shifted to a new location.

Three works – Barry Lett's Red Dancer, Henry Weekes's Lord Auckland, and Untitled by Paratene Matchitt – will be protected on site during construction.

Auckland City Council is following best practice guidelines to ensure the works are moved and stored safely. While in storage, some will have restoration work carried out on them.

The council has been working closely with the artists and others who have an interest in the art works.

Terry Stringer, award-winning sculptor of Mountain Fountain, says he is pleased the council has involved him in the process.

Work on the estimated $80 million project to redevelop Aotea Square − which includes an upgrade of the square, repairs to the Civic car park underneath and improvements to the front of the Aotea Centre – is due to start in November.