Cast-iron resolve to replace landmark

HILARY PEDERSEN
A fundraising effort is in train to replace the iconic 'moving hands' sculpture on the Tapakau Plains.
The wooden sculpture with its cast iron hands, the work of Dutch-born, Hawke's Bay sculptor Ricks Terstappen, has been a landmark for 15 years.
But for about three months it has been lying prostrate in landowner Geoff Thomson's paddock, its untreated wooden frame finally blown over by the wind.
Last week Mr Terstappen dismantled his work and is now intending to build a replacement, aided by a fundraising initiative from Dannevirke Community Radio identity Max McFarland.
Since Christmas Eve, 1991, when five young people and the driver of the oncoming car died on the Takapau Plains, the outstretched hands of Ricks Terstappen's sculpture have been a moving reminder of a tragic event.
As well as commemorating the untimely death of the five victims, the sculpture has served as a reminder of the consequences of drinking and driving.
Mr McFarland wants that message to continue, and is now looking for community support from Dannevirke, Central Hawke's Bay, and beyond, to fund a new sculpture.
Mr Terstappen too, has received many telephone calls from people keen to see it resurrected.
He says the replacement will be similar but larger, and made from more lasting materials, probably corten steel. He has not yet costed the project.
But both he and Mr McFarland, and many others are hopeful that with community help, another figure will arise, Phoenix like, to continue the message, and the memories.
Anyone in Dannevirke wishing to assist can contact Mr McFarland at (06) 374 7560.
Central Hawke's Bay businesses, organisations, or residents can leave a donation at the Information Centre at Railway Esplanade, Waipukurau.