Whanganui bus shelter art panels removed due to repeated damage

The Castlecliff bus shelter was previously damaged in January 2024. Photo / NZME

Artistic glass panels have been removed from a Whanganui bus shelter after repeated vandalism.

The artwork on the shelter, on the corner of Rangiora St and Karaka St in Castlecliff, was made by Whanganui artist and mural engraver Claire Bell. It depicted beach-side plants and animals through the use of glass engraving.

It was installed in July 2020 and was intended to negate vandalism but was purposely damaged several times over the years.

In January 2024, it was vandalised again and had to be replaced.

Thanks to the help of community group Progress Castlecliff and Whanganui residents, Bell made new glass panels for the shelter.

Artist Claire Bell designed the artwork engraved into the glass panels. Photo / NZME

The latest vandalism in December was believed to be caused by children throwing pebbles at the panels and chipping three of them.

Whanganui District Council’s arts adviser Anique Jayasinghe was saddened by the news of the recent vandalism.

“Given the joint efforts to create this artwork for the community, it’s very disappointing to see it’s been damaged,” Jayasinghe said.

The council’s transportation manager, Mark Allingham, said it was unfortunate when they had to spend ratepayers' money cleaning graffiti and addressing vandalism.

Allingham said the general treatment of Whanganui’s bus shelters was not a major issue as the incidents were sporadic.

Jayasinghe said incidents of vandalism on other public artworks were no more or less frequent than in other places in New Zealand.

“Vandalism is a reality with any asset in the public sphere, including public art,” she said.

“Tagging on murals can occur and we have a dedicated process to ensure the artwork is restored to its original condition as soon as possible.”

Bell is one of the last mural engravers in the world who produces this kind of work.

She was disappointed that her work was vandalised again but was hopeful of a new lease of life for it.

“It’s had a really good run,” Bell said.

“This was the second round of damage in one week and once there is damage, it seems to get more damage unfortunately.”

She asked the council to permanently move the panels elsewhere.

“In the interest of preserving what we could of the artwork, I felt that it was in its best interest to remove it entirely.”

Bell will work alongside the council to find a new home for the artistic panels with no location confirmed yet.

Jayasinghe said there were several ways to minimise similar events from occurring.

“There are steps that can be taken to ensure artworks are less prone to vandalism. This includes fostering community stewardship around the artwork with engagement programmes, regular maintenance and placing artworks in community hubs where locals can keep an eye on the artwork.

“These factors are considered with any new public art proposals.”