After being removed from its original site in downtown Auckland in 2002 to make way for the Britomart Rail Station redevelopment and Square upgrade, Japanese artist Michio Ihara's Wind Tree has been re-installed at the Jellicoe Plaza in the Wynyard Quarter on Auckland's waterfront. Made from stainless steel, the artwork features trusses that are designed to swing in the wind.
Ihara says he is "thrilled to see the art work raised from the dead" after languishing in storage for many years. Now in his 80s, his is grateful for the efforts of those who championed his cause for so long.
Wind Tree is one of three pieces of public art that are being installed in the Wynyard Quarter as part of the revitalisation of the waterfront due to be completed by the time of the Rugby World Cup in September. The three art works will be officially revealed on 6 August 2011.
Image: Michio Ihara's Wind Tree, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland. Photos by Terry Urbahn
