KEY POINTS:
A New Zealand businessman based in London believes the campaign to erect a statue of New Zealander Sir Keith Park in London's Trafalgar Square has a "very good chance" now a new London mayor has been elected.
Sir Keith commanded RAF squadrons which defended London and the South
East during the Battle of Britain, the 1940 Luftwaffe attacks in World War 2, and is considered a key factor in the victory.
Terry Smith said newly elected Mayor of London Conservative Boris Johnson, had previously announced his support for the statue.
"Our view is, which I think is correct, is that he's committed to this. Obviously, we'll confirm that with him now that he's elected, but he is supportive of our campaign," Mr Smith told NZPA.
Mr Smith said Mr Johnson was likely to face opposition from the "arts lobby" - a rotating modern art display currently occupies the fourth plinth where the statue will stand - but he said the statue is a cheaper option.
"The contemporary art display is being paid for at very significant cost to the public purse, whereas that statue's completely funded privately and won't be any drain on the taxpayer. So, apart from all the noble reasons he might want to stick to his commitment, money is another one."
Mr Smith has drafted a letter to the new mayor congratulating him on his election and asking how they can formalise his approval of the statue and he will try to meet with Mr Johnson when he returns to Britain on May 14.
He is in New Zealand visiting various people involved with the statue including sculptor Roderick Burgess and Weta workshop who may be able to help create the statue cast in their foundry in China.
"Peter Jackson has given his support for it and they (Weta) have obviously got an awful lot of expertise making statuary figures."
Mr Smith will also meet with politicians and will give a talk at the Museum of Transport and Technology in Auckland.
Defence Minister Phil Goff said today the government was whole-heartedly behind the statue.
"I had written to him (Mr Smith) some weeks ago fully supporting the campaign and also wrote to my British counterpart Des Brown."
Mr Goff told NZPA he would follow up with correspondence to Mr Johnson.
"The fact that he (Park) is a New Zealander is something for us to be proud of."
Mr Goff said the Government is strongly behind Mr Smith's campaign.
"As New Zealanders, a statue of Sir Keith will also be a commemoration of the 12,000 New Zealanders who served in the RAF during the war."
New Zealand had the second biggest group of non-British fighter pilots in the Battle of Britain, Mr Goff said.
Funding for the statue was being personally underwritten by Mr Smith .
"No request has been made for NZ funding but if there was we would very seriously consider it."
Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone was against putting the statue in Trafalgar Square.
- NZPA