Sculpture installations begin along Forgotten World Highway
Over the next few weeks, the Forgotten World Highway will gain five striking new landmarks as crews begin installing large-scale sculptures at Douglas, Strathmore Saddle, Tahora Saddle, Tāngarākau Gorge, and Otunui.
The three-metre-tall works have been fabricated in Whanganui and will be delivered to their sites over the next two weeks. Weather permitting, all installations are expected to be completed by the end of August. The work will take place off the road, so traffic disruption will be minimal.
Developed in partnership with Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Hāua, and Ngāti Ruanui Iwi, whose rohe spans the highway, these sculptures mark the final stage of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s improvement programme for SH43.
The sculptures are inspired by Tamatea-Pōkai-Whenua, a legendary Māori explorer who journeyed from Hawaiki to Aotearoa and travelled through the Whanganui River and East Taranaki. The five sculptures represent sections of Te Karaerae, Tamatea’s waka, and reflect his legacy across the region.
Placed near stopping areas, the sculptures will offer travellers a chance to pause, enjoy the scenery, and learn more about the cultural and historical significance of the route. They will complement existing information boards and are expected to become a key attraction for visitors to the Forgotten World Highway.
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