McCaw fans asked to chip in
Donations called for to make hometown statue dream reality
The small Waitaki town of Kurow needs 175,000 Richie McCaw fans to help erect a bronze statue of the All Blacks great, right where he kicked off his legendary career.
It is hoped the life-sized statue of the most capped test rugby player of all time will bring more visitors to the Waitaki Valley.
Several generations of McCaws have lived in the area and Richie grew up in the Hakataramea Valley just across the Waitaki River from Kurow where he began playing rugby for the local club.
Last year, Lyttelton sculptor Mark Whyte met with McCaw to measure and sketch him for the statue that he’ll create when enough money has been raised.
Waitaki artist and sculptor Don Paterson was originally marked for the job but he was kicked to touch after a statuette meant to illustrate the planned pose of McCaw drew widespread criticism on social media.
Statue Project Committee secretary Jocelyn McIlraith said McCaw was currently represented in the town by a cardboard cutout, which she said drew people into the Waitaki Valley daily.
The committee has proposed to put the statue in the centre of Kurow.
“It is going to benefit local businesses,” said McIlraith. “It will bring people through the district and will result in economic growth.”
Creating the bronze statue of McCaw was the dream of former chairman of the committee Bob Watherston, who died in November last year.
Now his daughter Chrissy Watherston has created a Givealittle page, asking for the public’s help.
Watherston asked for 175,000 of McCaw’s fans to donate $1 to help get the statue project over the line.
“The Kurow community is keen to honour this rugby great. He is a terrific role model, showing how great dedication leads to great success.
“We invite you to assist in erecting a statue to honour him in the rural community where his rugby career began,” the page proclaims.
Around $7500 has already been raised by the Richie McCaw Statue Committee and Meridian Energy has donated $15,000 to the cause.
“Dad wanted everyone to be able to come and see Richie’s statue, reflect and celebrate his greatness, create some memories and take some photos,” Watherston said.