Debz Dickinson/Pam Mossman

With the loss of Whakaari as a major tourism drawcard, Whakatāne has an opportunity to develop new attractions that strengthen our regional identity, attract visitors, and stimulate our local economy.

The proposed kiwi sculpture by New Zealander Robert Onnes could be just such an opportunity.

Public art can be much more than an aesthetic addition to a town. A distinctive landmark can become a destination in its own right – a place people travel to see, photograph, share, and remember.

The kiwi sculpture has the potential to become a recognisable icon for Whakatāne, giving visitors another reason to stop, explore, and spend time in our town.

The benefits could extend well beyond tourism. A landmark of this nature could generate economic spillovers for local cafés, restaurants, retailers, accommodation providers, and service stations. It could also strengthen community pride.

The economic contribution of the creative sector in New Zealand is significant.

According to Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, the arts and creative sector contributed $17.5 billion, or 4.2 percent of GDP, in the year to March 2024.

The Government’s Amplify strategy aims to grow this contribution to $22 billion by 2030.

Whakatāne has an opportunity to be part of that growth by recognising the value of arts and culture as an investment in our region’s future.

We should also consider what might be called the “big statue” effect.

Across New Zealand, towns have embraced oversized sculptures as memorable landmarks.

Te Puke’s giant kiwifruit slices and Ohakune’s famous carrot demonstrate how distinctive objects can become part of a town’s identity and provide visitors with a reason to stop.

These landmarks can turn passing traffic into potential customers for local businesses.

Imagine a striking 20-foot kiwi sculpture in Whakatāne becoming a familiar image in photographs, travel stories, social media posts, and promotional material for our region.

Over time, it could help build a recognisable brand for our town while encouraging visitors to discover the wider attractions of the Eastern Bay.

Of course, a sculpture alone cannot guarantee economic success.

Its impact would depend on thoughtful positioning, effective promotion, accessibility, and links with local businesses and tourism experiences. But that is precisely why we should view this proposal as an opportunity to develop further.

The kiwi sculpture represents more than a landmark. It offers the possibility of bringing together art, tourism, education, local enterprise, and community pride in one highly visible initiative.

The kiwi sculpture can be an investment in our identity, our visitor economy, and our future. It is an opportunity worth taking seriously.