Myers Park metamorphosis to begin
LIVE LOCAL, LOVE LOCAL WITH AUCKLAND COUNCIL
Artist impressions of a groundbreaking new work of public art reveal plans set to transform the underpass at the northern end of Myers Park.
Originally a utilitarian structure, the new design will create an interactive experience of light and sound.
This artwork installation, envisaged as a ‘‘whakarongo environment’’, is designed to evoke an ‘‘awakening of the senses’’ in the Myers Park underpass.
Created by Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua rākei) and a multi-disciplinary team, this unique artwork aims to offer a multi-sensory experience of the taniwha Horotiu – the kaitiaki (guardian) of the Wai O Horotiu stream.
The sculptural form of Horotiu is achieved with rows of more than 2000 moulded scales hanging from the underside of the overbridge – illuminated in gold light and moving with the breeze.
Integrated into the enhanced underpass landscape, the new work of art creates a cultural stage activated by weather conditions and pitch and rhythm changes detected with the singing of specially commissioned waiata.
The waiata, which speak about the rippling waters of Wai o Horotiu and Te Ao Māori values associated with water and the ‘‘water cycle’’, have been composed by Moeahi Kerehoma (Ngāti Whātua rākei), Tarumai Kerehoma-Hoani (Ngāti Whātua
rākei) and Tuirina Wehi (Ngai Tuhoe).
A mana whenua choir singing these bespoke waiata will be recorded with Justyn Pilbrow at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios later this year.
The waiata can be learned and performed by anyone who visits the underpass as part of the sensory experience.
The sound – the pitch and rhythm of your voice – can trigger varying levels of light and sound in the underpass; a metaphorical response from Horotiu – kaitiaki of this place. The project is funded by Auckland Council, the city centre targeted rate, and Waitematā Local Board.
Waitematā Local Board chairperson Richard Northey says the board has had a continuing vision over the last 10 years of turning Myers Park from an unsafe and untidy backwater into one of the central city’s jewels.
‘‘I look forward to the completion of this fine artwork under Mayoral Drive and the opening up of the Myers Park entrance from Aotea Square to be completed and enjoyed by all,’’ says Northey.
The Myers Park underpass upgrade work begins this month.
While the construction will mean changes to some of the park’s access points, the park will remain open for the public to enjoy throughout construction.
To find out more about the Myers Park underpass upgrade contact myersparkunderpass@¯O aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to subscribe to regular updates on this project.
This article was commissioned in response to a commercial partnership. We have produced it independently, to the same standards applied to the rest of our journalism.
The Myers Park underpass upgrade work begins this month.
¯ O