About 100 people gathered at Shark Alley for the moving unveiling of penguin memorial stone carving yesterday, including some involved in the Rena clean-up. Carved by Papamoa artist Peter Cramond, the sculpture features 16 penguins being released into the ocean from Mount Main Beach. The Oamaru stone-carved sculpture stands on a plinth of salvaged wood from the Rena at Moturiki Island, and represents the final release of oiled penguins in February 2012.
Its unveiling coincides with the two-year anniversary of the Rena's grounding on Astrolabe Reef. An emotional Mr Cramond said his inspiration came from a video on the Bay of Plenty Times website as the last group of penguins were being released.
The sculpture was gifted to the city by Tauranga-based NZ Garden and Art Festival Trust.
Mr Cramond said he hoped in time other art works would line the coast from Mount Maunganui to Maketu with messages about environmental issues, and become a tourist attraction.
Festival director John Beech said the trust wanted to give back to the community and mark the event with a permanent commemorative artwork so that it was never forgotten.
