It lives... megaduck invades waterfront

Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman has installed his ducks in Japan, Brazil, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany. Photo / Greg Bowker

Like a B-movie monster seeking something to squash, a giant rubber duck has splashed down in Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

But the city is safe - the 12m-high megaduck appeared yesterday to promote the new television channel, Four.

It is the latest project of Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, who has installed similar ducks in Japan, Brazil, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany - always on the water.

Hofman said inflating such a big object in place was not without challenges.

"Everything you can have a problem with, you've got - water, electricity [for the constant air circulation], wind and an inflatable object.

"It brings smiles to people's faces, it makes children run to it. Once you see it, you are directly affected with happiness. This is the success of the work."

But he confesses he hates toy rubber ducks.

"I like what it becomes when you scale it up ... it's just an icon to use - nothing more, nothing less ... I hate rubber ducks."

MediaWorks spokesman Roger Beaumont says Four is being launched at 6pm on Sunday, with the duck playing a role in its opening.

The duck is made from rubber-coated PVC and has a machine inside that constantly recirculates air tokeep it inflated, much like a bouncy castle.

Inside is a six-tonne custom-made pontoon to keep it afloat and give the duck its shape.

It was made by a Whangarei company, Fabric Structure Systems, which is famous for having worked on the 100 per cent Pure rugby ball that was sent to France.