Finally, after all the trials and tribulations, our community can now get up close and personal with the interior of the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery.
I could wax lyrical about the community effort to turn this vision into reality, the thousands upon thousands of volunteer hours invested by so many people – from governance functions to fundraising, from brick-chipping to tile-making, tree growing and photography ... The 40,000 bricks recycled, 1600 cubic metres of native timber recycled, 5000 pavers recycled and 3000sq m of tiles*.
My memories range from the good to the not so good, to the downright disheartening. I remember a dedicated group of locals fighting to keep the project alive – seemingly against all odds.
I remember the long list of high-profile politicians and philanthropists joining their voices of support for the cause - followed by naysayers, polarising public debates, media coverage, and passionate voices on both sides straining to be heard. The colourful community events, artistic outpouring, Hundertwasser murals, bumper stickers and mailboxes popping up across our district; a community showing support (or the opposite) in every way possible. Then, the impact of the Covid pandemic on timelines, supply chains and community spirit.
