New public art sculpture destined for Omokoroa

Cooney Reserve where Omokoroa Public Art Group hope to place their next sculpture. Photo / Supplied

Omokoroa Public Art Group is delighted to be a grant recipient of the Omokoroa Centre Trust earlier this month.

The grant of $3000 will go towards funding a new sculpture proposed by the Omokoroa Public Art Group to enhance the entrance to the Omokoroa-Tauranga cycleway at Cooney Reserve.

The idea of the new sculpture will be to celebrate the nearby local nesting ground of godwits.

Omokoroa Public Art Group (OPAG) chairwoman Alie Henderson says if approved by the Omokoroa Community Board, the large kinetic sculpture will ''create a unique sense of place and distinction, enjoyment and pride for all citizens and visitors to our community''.

''We very much appreciate the support of our local centre, and would like to acknowledge the work of all the amazing volunteers who have made the centre such a success.''

The godwits sculpture is part of the long-term public art programme in Omokoroa. The wrought iron panels at Western Ave reserve, the stolen carved lizard at the entrance to the peninsula and He Punga – The Anchor Stone on the beach at the Domain are examples of sculptures the group has commissioned and implemented.

OPAG is working on a replacement for the lizard.

''We are hopeful that this can be implemented very soon, and the group has plans for other public artworks and sculptures to enhance our beautiful environment and developing community.

''We are always keen to hear from people in the Omokoroa community, and local businesses, who have ideas or can help with developing our public art programme.''