KiwiRiders sculpture flies next Thursday

KiwiRiders will be installed to its new home on the grass berm at Kāpiti Road and Marine Parade in Paraparaumu Beach next Thursday 4 October.

The large sculpture, crafted by artist Will Clijsen, shows two children riding a stylised, flying Kiwi. It is made of stainless steel under bronze casting to weather long-term installation in a coastal climate.

Mayor K Gurunathan says that he is pleased to welcome the sculpture back to the Kāpiti Coast.

“We are grateful to have KiwiRiders in our community as a long-term loan and know that it will add enjoyment to the district for all who see it.”

Paraparaumu/Raumati Community Board Chair Jonny Best says that the sculpture brings an added element of art to the beach where much of the community spend time with family and friends.

“KiwiRiders is the first piece of art to rest near the beach for some time and was a community board initiative. We look forward to it fostering the potential of more art installation to the area.”

KiwiRiders was the recipient of a 2011 Gold NZ Sculpture Design Award.