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NZ Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Taupō dinosaur sculpture Boom Boom creates a stir at Riverside Park
A lot were critical of the sculpture with people questioning the dinosaur's connection to Taupō and saying it was a 'waste of ratepayer money'. Amanda Maclaren described it as an 'Eyesaur', with Wendy Johnson commenting it looked 'tacky ... and ridiculous'. Maxine Hay commented: 'Good god!! And how much did THAT MONSTROSITY COST', while Lynette Clunie said it looked like 'a cheap foil party balloon' for kids. However, other people disagreed, saying it was 'cool'. Thea Davies commented: 'Love it, brought a smile to my face when I saw it earlier - can't wait to see what else gets added to the trail'. Kimberley Gillies agreed. 'He is fabulous! Well done Taupō Sculpture Trust.' Boom Boom was created by Auckland-based artist Gregor Kregar and is the 13th artwork of Taupō's sculpture trail, which starts on the lakefront near Rifle Range Rd, continues through the town and culminates at Riverside Park. The park will be transformed into a dedicated sculpture park to revive the space, with Boom Boom being the first of 21 artworks Taupō Sculpture Trust hopes to add to the park over the next decade. In Kregar's concept art document, he explained the inspiration behind the piece was Taupō's environment. 'Taupō is an extremely important geological site and has produced two of the world's largest eruptions. 'My work makes reference to this history and how it has shaped and influenced the area.' The rock base would echo 'the giant boulders that would have been ejected by the volcanic force of the Taupō eruptions ', while the Sauropod dinosaur would resonate 'with the pre-historic history of the location'. Kregar also said the style of the dinosaur was inspired by an inflatable toy to represent the town's standing as a 'playful holiday destination'. As part of the 2018-28 long-term plan, Taupō District Council agreed to give the trust a one-off grant of $100,000 towards a 'destination sculpture' provided the trust could raise the same amount. Talking to the Waikato Herald this week, Taupō Mayor David Trewavas said the arts community had waited a long time for support and deserved the grant. 'We are quick to support lots of sporting events, like the Ironman and Supercars, and no one says a thing ... Why can't the arts community have a go.' Trewavas wouldn't comment on what he thought of Boom Boom. 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ... It's certainly a bit out there, but art is meant to spark conversations. [Boom Boom] certainly does that.' Councillor John Williamson, who holds the council's Arts and Culture portfolio, agreed. '[The sculpture] created a lot of interest ... I personally have no objection to it.' Williamson said he didn't believe the sculpture was a waste of money and believed it would be a 'great asset' to the town. The sculpture park project was granted resource consent from the council in November 2023. The trust wanted to revive the park which they believed was 'under-utilised', apart from being 'phenomenally successful for events like the Summer Concert'. Within the next year, the trust expects to add two further sculptures. All sculptures are selected by the trust.
NZ Herald
23-04-2025
- NZ Herald
Waikato police name victim of fatal Horsham Downs crash
Waikato Herald 23 Apr, 2025 02:08 AM Quick Read Police have released the name of the man who died after a crash in Horsham Downs on March 28. He was 34-year-old Jesse Selwyn James Carlson, from Silverdale. 'Our thoughts are with those close to him at this extremely difficult time,' police said. The single-vehicle crash was reported to emergency services just before 7.20pm on Friday, March 28 on Bankier Rd in Horsham Downs, Waikato. At the time, police said one occupant of the vehicle was injured critically while another received minor injuries. Carlson died in hospital on April 8. Police want to speak to the driver of this vehicle - they hope the driver can help with information about a Horsham Downs crash in March. In the statement releasing Carlson's name, police said they were continuing to investigate the crash. On April 9, police made a public appeal, requesting witnesses to come forward. 'In particular, we would like to speak with the driver of the maroon-coloured SUV towing a boat that was travelling on Bankier Rd at the time of the crash. 'If you are the driver of that vehicle, or witnessed the crash, please contact Police on 105, either over the phone or online. Please reference file number 250329/2196.' Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.
