Whangārei's camera obscura team not put off by funding rejection

A human sculpture will be formed on the site where Whangārei's camera obscura will be built. Photo/Supplied

The team behind Whangārei's Camera Obscura project have not been put off after hitting their first major hurdle.

Two funding applications which had been submitted to raise just under half the cost of the project had been rejected.

Diane Stoppard said one was declined on the grounds the project "did not align with their new strategy", while the other funder did not give any feedback.

She said the project team were "absolutely surprised" with the rejection of the first application, but "not so surprised" with the second one.

"They have quite firm boxes, we didn't quite fit in it."

Stoppard said the team was very confident the project would go ahead, but it may just take some time.

"We haven't had very many hurdles if you look at what the Hundertwasser people have been through."

The team had hoped to start construction at the end of August or early September once the total costs had been raised.

So far 51 per cent, or $445,000, of the total $860,000 plus GST had been raised.

Stoppard said the project team were already seeking further funding opportunities.

Meanwhile a new date has been set for Te Kāpehu Whetū students to form a human sculpture of the camera obscura on its planned site.

The human sculpture will be photographed with a drone, before local dignitaries will be invited to walk into the human building.

It was scheduled for the beginning of June, but bad weather has postponed it until July 6.

Stoppard said the students will be the kaitiaki of the sculpture and would also help put together the educational pack which will go with the completed sculpture.

The public could still make donations to the cause via cameraobscura.nz or email info@cameraobscura.nz.

Stoppard said there are still plaques and bollards available which people can get by way of making a significant donation. The plaques are for donations of $200 and the bollards $5000 and will be installed in the final sculpture.