|
|
In the year of 2001 Michael as commissioned by the Hauraki District Council of New Zealand. In the year of 2000 Michael was commissioned by the Hauraki District Council of New Zealand, to sculpt a life-size sculpture of a 'Maori Rangatira', to be produced in Bronze for the, 'Waihi Streetscape 2000 sculptures'project. His brief was to sculpt a life-size Bronze sculpture depicting a Maori Warrior holding a 'Taiha' (spear) andstriking the ground from which water gushed and subsequently naming the area 'Waihi Hi', (Gushing Water). Hence the name of the town in New Zealand, called 'Waihi'.
His task was made more challenging as the council had very little detail to give him to make a start, yet the statue had to satisfy the local Iwi, the Council and the Streetscape Committee.
After much research and trips to the Auckland Museum and discussions with members of the Iwi and Council, Michael was able to capture their vision and transform their ideas into a sculpture that surpassed all their expectations.
The 'Maori Rangatira', now stands proudly on a hill above the main street of 'Waihi'. A landmark sculpture the people of 'Waihi' are very proud of, now and will be for generations to come.
