Whare Thompson
Eels
"Surrounded by lush native plantings, these sculptures can be discovered in New Lynn's Olympic Park."
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Description
Nestled in the foliage near the waterways running through Olympic Park, these clusters of eels cast in iron reference the area and its history as a place to set hīnaki (eel traps). Lying low to the ground, the writhing eel sculptures direct visitors towards information panels about environmental and ecological issues that are particular to the site.
Artist Whare Thompson is a master carver of Ngāti Whātua and Ngāpuhi descent. Thompson studied Maori Art and Design graduating from Waiariki Polytechnic in Rotorua and has completed a number of public artworks in the Auckland region.
The award-winning Olympic Park redevelopment integrated artworks and traditional sculpture along the pathways to reference the park's historic significance as an important trading crossroads and make cultural and ecological connections.
Location
Olympic Park, Portage Road, New Lynn. 1. Western side of wetland boardwalk 10 m south of northern end of boardwalk, 3m to the side 2. 10m west of viewing platform north/east of play area on river 'overflow' area 3. Eastern side of stream, 5 m north of Steve Woodward bridge 4. Eastern side of stream, 15 m south of Steve Woodward bridge
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