Auckland-based Tongan artist Sēmisi Fetokai Potauaine’s striking, totem-esque sculpture VAKA ‘A HINA will take up residence in Rauora Park before the end of 2019. The sixteen-metre tall (the equivalent of a five storey building) artwork will be a symbol of solidarity and unity and adds both Tongan and New Zealand culture to the occupied space.

Described as a beacon and meeting point in a refreshed part of the city, the artwork will have a lighting feature to further enhance the sculpture’s stature come night time and will possess a spectrum of colours which will allow for customisation on special occasions for example pink for Breast Cancer Awareness.

A joint collaborative project between SCAPE Public Art, Christchurch City Council, Otakaro Ltd, John Jones Steel, GHD and Leighs Construction, VAKA ‘A HINA will be the 15th legacy (permanent) artwork in the city.

scapepublicart.org.nz