Giant Jandal on The Mandel
Next time you’re passing between Kopu and Thames, look out for the giant ‘Jandal on The Mandel’, situated alongside the Hauraki Rail Trail just past the airport entrance heading south.
The sculpture/seat was blessed by kaumatua Wati Ngamane and unveiled in an official ceremony held earlier this month. The jandal is the first of ten sculptures to be installed between Thames and Kopu alongside the Hauraki Rail Trail and the culmination of a lot of behind the scenes work between various local organisations.
Speeches were given by those involved with the project, including Mayor Sandra Goudie (Thames Coromandel District Council), Diane Connors (Thames Community Board), Layne Sefton (Smart Environmental), Diane Drummond (Hauraki Rail Trail), Ricks Terstappen (the artist) and Rob Johnston (Thames Public Art Trust).
The Thames Public Art Trust are the organisation driving the project, and representative Rob Johnston is thrilled with the installation of the first sculpture, signaling an exciting year ahead for the Trust, with at least two more sculptures scheduled for installation before the end of the summer.
“We chose The Jandal as the first piece because it was ready to go and we knew it would capture the attention and imagination of the public. Already, people are taking photos and using #jandalonthemandel to share it on social media. It is a positive, fun piece that promotes both public art and the Hauraki Rail Trail and captures that laid-back summer spirit of Thames and The Coromandel.”
The work was the winner of the utilitarian section of the Thames Public Art Trust’s Open Sculpture Design Competition in 2017. The category called for sculptural works with a practical purpose for people using the Hauraki Rail Trail. The next two sculptures scheduled for installation are pieces that have been donated to the Thames Public Art Trust. One of the pieces is halfway through being manufactured and will be ready for installation before Christmas.
Mayor Sandra Goudie has taken a direct interest in the Thames Public Art Trust sculpture trail project, expressing a particular liking for one of the 10 pieces. 2019 looks set to be a busy year for the Trust as they continue to elevate the Hauraki Rail Trail by the enhancement of public art for absolute enjoyment enroute.
To keep pace with the progress of Thames Public Art Trust’s sculpture trail project, follow their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ThamesPublicArtTrust/.
Check out http://inlet.co.nz/jandalonthemandel to learn more about the hashtag #jandalonthemandel promotion.
Article published 30 November 2018
