Visiting Te Atatu Peninsula this March was a "Journey of Discovery” as the inaugural sculpture exhibition in support of Hospice West Auckland, at Harbourview Walkway on Te Atatu Peninsula was on show.
 
This exciting exhibition of 45 sculptures by contemporary New Zealand artists was displayed for 4 weeks in March along a trail through a unique salt marsh area with ponds and stunning views across the Waitemata Harbour to Auckland City, the Harbour Bridge and Rangitoto Island beyond. 

This art event was set up by Te Atatu Business Association with support from Auckland Council, to enhance the environment of Te Atatu Peninsula and as a fundraising opportunity for Hospice West Auckland, whose purpose is to ensure all New Zealanders have access to the best possible hospice care at the end of their lives.

The 45 artworks in the exhibition, from 35 contemporary New Zealand artists were chosen for their connection to the rich local history and the natural uniqueness of this salt marsh area that surrounds the Te Atatu Peninsula that was once kauri forest and peat swamps. Several artworks also commented on social and political issues that affect communities and environments in this area, greater Auckland and globally. Artworks were all for sale. Proceeds to Hospice West Auckland.

Many different forms of sculpture representing contemporary sculptural practice including kinetic, wood, ceramic, mixed media, glass, metal, plastic, sound, installation and water based works were displayed along the trail linking the wetland ponds.

“A fantastic Journey of Discovery awaited visitors to this new sculpture event putting Te Atatu Peninsula on the art map. The beauty of the location around the ponds and salt marsh area with stunning views down the Waitemata Harbour towards Rangitoto made this a unique site for the placement of sculptures so that visitors were led on a Journey of Discovery”. Sally Lush, Curator of Harbourview Sculpture Trail.

There was also be an exhibition of outdoor art designed and made by the local Primary, Intermediate and Secondary schools who painted murals for display along the trail. Children were catered for with exciting activity sheets to engage them in learning more about the sculptures and art making.

Complimentary tours with the curator, Sally Lush, featuring talks by selected artists were available each Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11am. 

Harbourview Walkway is located on Te Atatu Road with the entrance to the Right at the first roundabout (Gloria Ave) as you come into the peninsula just a short distance from the Northwestern Motorway. 

Some of the amazing comments from visitors:-
"10 out of 10 Awesome!" Pat J from Te Atatu.
"It took my breath away. Such Fun!" Terry B from Mission Bay.
"Great location, great artwork, great hospitality." Fiona W from Te Atatu. 
"A beautiful setting enhanced by meaningful and creative artworks." Sheridan R from Avondale.
"Awesome sculpture Trail, loved it!" Natalie D from Remuera.
"Excellent, well done, really worth it." Howard J from Taupo.
"Wonderful!! Well presented in the environment and great how the sculptures relate to the location." Annalies D from Te Atatu Peninsula.
"Wonderful- an unexpected treasure PLEASE do this again!" Yvonne L. 
"A very well thought out and curated exhibition in a beautiful, natural location. Well done." Lesley W.  
"Fabulous guided tour by Sally Lush." Trish W from West Harbour.
"Great mixture of artists and strong important dialogue of ideas." Sarah M from Te Atatu South.
"Inspiring and well curated exhibition. The setting, colour, movement, concept-wonderful!" Angela B Hillcrest.  

The exhibition was open from 10am to 6pm daily and the dates were extended until 6pm on Saturday 31st March.

Entrance $10 Adult, $5 Children 5 to 12, Under 5’s free. Seniors and groups of 10 or more $9 each, Family group $25.

 Great coffee and food are available at Luscious Cafe, Servo Cafe, Fuze Cafe and other eating places on the main street, Te Atatu Road. 

The raffle for the gorgeous Double Koru carving in Swamp Kauri by artist Kerry Strongman was won by Rochelle Thomas of Dairy Flat. Congratulations Rochelle.

The People's Choice award sponsored by ASB Bank was won by Wolf Habichhorst with his amazing group of 7 cabbage trees, Joyful Dancing which was made from copper and aluminium and they light up with solar lights at night.
Wolf wins $200 cash from ASB Bank and 6 people who voted for him each win $50 cash.