Tuna (Eel) Sculpture, Leeston

Description

NameTuna (Eel) Sculpture, Leeston Last edited by: Sarah Davy

DescriptionA stainless-steel sculpture of a longfin tuna (eel) erected beside the Ellesmere and Districts War Memorial in High Street, Leeston by the Ellesmere Lions in 2023 - 2024. The entire project took seven years to complete.

The project was initiated in 2017, as a way to celebrate 100 years of Lions as an international community service organisation, and of 50 years of the Ellesmere branch. It was interrupted by Covid between 2019-2021. Phase 1, the construction of the 11-metre-long eel on a corten steel base, the creation of stone pillars and seating, and the relocation of the flagpole started on 23 January 2023 after a karakia from Puamiria Parata-Goodall from Taumutu Rūnanga. John Howson was the builder and Neil Pluck the engineer. It was completed in December 2023.

For Phase 2, the Lions worked with Taumutu rūnanga, Ellesmere Historical Society Ellesmere RSA and Selwyn District Council to produce a set of ten heritage panels and a map. These surround the sculpture, telling the story of the following aspects of Ellesmere's heritage:

Waihora Whata Rau - The hundred platforms of Waihora
The Creation of Tuna
Industry and Commerce
Farming for the Future
Trails, Rails and Roads
Community Life
Arts and Culture
Service and Sacrifice
Sport and Recreation
Civic Pride and Duty

The sculpture was designed to be future-proof – both to inspire new residents to the district, and to remind long-time Ellesmere hapori about their proud and rich heritage. It’s been built strongly from materials (stainless steel, corten steel and stone) and that can weather Leeston’s climate.

The sculpture was formally opened on Friday 27 September by Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton. Last edited by: Sarah Davy

Date2024