Unveiling of new Addington sculpture

A new sculpture, by Christchurch artist Leah Fraser Henderson, was officially unveiled in June at Addington Reserve (corner of Lyttleton Street and Lincoln Road).

The artwork, entitled “Respect”, was commissioned by the Spreydon/Heathcote Community Board and the Christchurch City Council. Local artists were invited in October 2003 to register their interest in designing a sculpture, and artist Leah Fraser Henderson’s design was chosen in February 2004.

“Respect” presents a waka with a rockfilled basket overarching it. The artwork was created using volcanic and river stones, stainless steel and galvanized wire. Artist Leah Fraser Henderson says that the river stones represent the Waimakariri River, and its travels, and all that it has brought to the community around it. The boulders are older and tell of a people far beyond modern times. The waka is riding high and standing proud, calling for all that would to come closer and help her move forward.

“I wanted people to look at all members of the community, past and present, to ‘respect’ each other, their points of view and their life experiences, as well as the land and the rivers so that we can continue to live in this area for many years to come as a closer community,” says Fraser Henderson.