Bronze statue gifted to city

As part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, the Hamilton-based Gallagher Group has gifted a life-sized bronze statue of city namesake Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton.

The statue depicting Captain Hamilton in his naval officer's uniform stands in Civic Square.

At the end of the New Zealand Wars, the four regiments of the Waikato Militia settled as a peace-keeping force across the region and the Kirikiriroa settlement was named after Captain Hamilton, who was killed in the battle of Gate Pa.

Gallagher chief executive Sir William Gallagher unveiled the artwork by bronze artist Margriet Windhousen, well known in Hamilton for her Victoria St bronze, The Farming Family, earlier gifted to the city by Sir Robert Jones.

Sir William says the gift celebrates the group's 75 years of commitment to Hamilton by the Gallagher organisation.

"How apt a statue of Captain Hamilton should stand proudly in the city named after him."

MESH, a local art group, project managed the work.

For Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker, the 75th birthday marks a real milestone.

"For the past 75 years, the Gallagher Group has made a significant contribution to Hamilton in so many ways and I congratulate them on their anniversary.

"This gift recognises the city's history and on behalf of everyone, I thank the company for this generous gift."