A $50,000 bronze sculpture has been vandalised and multiple pieces stolen from the Auckland Botanic Gardens, in the latest attack on public assets at the Manurewa grounds.
The artwork, ‘Reservoirs’, was a solar-powered water feature created by South Auckland-based artist Richard Mathieson for the Sculpture in the Gardens exhibition in 2021-2022, and then purchased by the Friends of the Auckland Botanic Gardens as a gift to Auckland city.
Manager of Visitor Services at the Gardens, Micheline Newton, says thieves dismantled the sculpture overnight on Friday 30 December, removing smaller bronze pieces and copper piping from the site.
“On Saturday [31 December], we found seven heavier pieces stashed in foliage nearby. We think whoever targeted this artwork may have intended returning the following night to take these large pieces as well,” she says.
The Gardens team has experienced additional loss recently with bronze plaques removed prior to Christmas, and valuable plants frequently being stolen. A building on land recently acquired from the Nathan Estate, adjoining the Gardens, was targeted in December and stripped of internal fittings.
“It’s disappointing, given all the hard work staff dedicate to ensure these facilities are maintained to such a high standard and our visitors have an exceptional experience,” says Micheline. “If you see suspicious behaviour on site, please inform our staff immediately.”
Micheline also urges locals driving past or exercising after-hours to keep watch for intruders in the Gardens and call the Police on 111 to report any suspect activity. Information can also be provided to Police by calling 105 and anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Friends of the Auckland Botanic Gardens president Viv Canham estimates that restoring the Reservoirs sculpture back to its original form will cost thousands of dollars.
“Many Aucklanders have had the privilege of listening to water flow down the curved pools, made with sand moulds using a traditional bronze casting method,” she says.
“It’s an incredibly saddening loss – Aucklanders and visitors to our city will miss out, while staff at the Gardens have been dealt yet another blow.”
Anyone with information about the missing bronze pieces, which have a distinctive engraved pattern as seen in photos attached, or the sculpture theft are urged to contact Auckland Botanic Gardens at 102 Hill Road, Manurewa, on 09 267 1457. If it is after-hours, please call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.
