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This steel sculpture of a heron was stolen from the Mahurangi waterfront last month.
One of the 14 bird sculptures installed along the Mahurangi River waterfront has been stolen and another one was damaged last month.
Auckland Council manager of arts and culture Kaye Glamuzina says the kereru/wood pigeon sculpture, which was installed in Lucy Moore Memorial Park, was bent out of shape and is being repaired, while the heron sculpture, which was erected on the kayaking pontoon, will be replaced this month. The heron is valued at $450 and the kereru at $350.
The rustic steel sculptures were created by local artist and architectural designer Ruby Watson and were installed a year ago after being commissioned by Rodney Local Board for $46,000.
Meanwhile, a new $30,000 security camera system will soon be installed along the waterfront.
Riverbank Enhancement Trust committee member Nicola Jones says the system will include six cameras and can be expanded in the future.
The Board contributed $14,000 for the cameras in 2013, but the project was stalled after Council released draft guidelines on surveillance in public places last year.
Nicola says Insite Security has agreed to provide the system at a reduced cost and the trust is looking to raise money to cover the shortfall.
“We hope to start installing the cameras this month. It’s a big project for Warkworth and if anyone in the community is able to help us, it would be hugely appreciated.”
The existing security camera on the wharf has been reinstalled thanks to a $1000 grant from a member of the community. The security camera was out for repairs when $20,000 worth of equipment was stolen from the Jane Gifford support vessel Little Jane in February.
The Little Jane had to be rescued again in March after it was untied from its moorings and left to drift down the river, but nothing was stolen this time. Warkworth officer-in-charge Morgan de la Rue says they are still awaiting the results of fingerprinting for the boat.
“There is a six to eight week backlog for forensic testing information for less serious crimes,” Sergeant de la Rue says.
He says the camera system will work as a deterrent and make the waterfront area safer.
