Mountain Fountain

Originally known as the Aotea Square Water Sculpture, this large-scale sculpture and fountain first appeared as a volcano pushing up through the surface of Aotea Square. It was commissioned for the site in 1980 following a water sculpture competition, sponsored by Auckland City and the Auckland Savings Bank.

Made of bronze sheets, wood and steel in concrete, the sculpture was designed by artist Terry Stringer to reflect the volcanic activity of the city, New Zealand's wilderness and the high-rise buildings surrounding Aotea Square. Mountain Fountain was removed from Aotea Square in 2008 to make way for redevelopment works. After consultation with a number of groups, the public and the artist, it was relocated to the forecourt of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. The current location provides an urban setting where the fountain complements the architecture of the cathedral and the design of the forecourt. It also fulfils architect Professor Richard Toy's original vision for the cathedral – to have an artwork located next to it.

"I was trying to suggest another of Auckland's volcanoes pushing up through Aotea Square. The work offers all the delights of hills and mountains. It has waterfalls, pools and streams and the pleasant sound of falling water is an integral part of it," says Stringer of the artwork.