Statue of All Black legend Sir Colin Meads to be unveiled

A statue of Sir Colin Meads is to be unveiled in his home town of Te Kuiti. The famous ex-All Black is battling cancer. Photo / Nick Reed

Legendary All Black Sir Colin Meads is set to immortalised in bronze.

A statue of the great "Pinetree" will be unveiled in his home town of Te Kuiti tomorrow.

The project was driven by the town's Legendary Te Kuiti committee and is funded by sponsors, donations and grants.

In addition to the statue an exhibition will be opened celebrating the rugby careers and lives of Sir Colin and his brother Stan, who also represented the All Blacks.

Committee marketing officer Yvette Ronaldson said preparations are on track for what will be a "huge day" for the community.

"The statue looks amazing, it's packed and ready to come down to Te Kuiti."

Ronaldson said they are expecting a large crowd, so together with the Waitomo District Council they have "spruced up" the main street to ensure it is looking its best for the event.

Te Kuiti's main street - Rora St - will be closed from 11am to cater for the expected influx of people and media.

"It's definitely a community event and everybody is invited to come along because it's not just a celebration for Sir Colin and Stan and the Meads family, it's also a celebration for Te Kuiti and we want as many people there as possible to enjoy the special day."

Attending the event will be rugby commentator Keith Quinn and former All Blacks Sir Brian Lochore, Bryan Williams and Tane Norton.