Charred remnants. That’s all that remains. This wasn’t always so. Before the fire. Before the loss. Before the tragedy. Stand before the Homage to Will sculpture in Victoria Park Auckland. This artwork by Fred Loopstra once stood tall. A testament to New Zealand’s pioneering spirit.
This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a powerful piece. Created in 1971. It’s part of a legacy. A legacy from the International Sculpture Symposium. A celebration of Auckland’s centenary. It was meant to represent the massiveness of early transport and logging structures. Loopstra said himself it resembled farm implements. Ploughs perhaps. He was proud of his work. He thought it captured the essence of the nation’s history.
The Homage to Will wasn’t just wood and railway sleepers. It held a story. A tangible connection to the past. Its imposing size 2.4 metres high and 7.9 metres long dominated this space. It stood as a proud symbol. A symbol of strength and resilience. Sadly. It became a temporary shelter for the homeless. This led to a devastating fire. The fire destroyed the sculpture. This resulted in significant damage to this iconic landmark.
Imagine. This magnificent structure. It once stood proudly. People from all walks of life passed by. They witnessed its majesty. Children played nearby. Busses rumbled past. The park’s vibrant energy surrounded it. The sculpture was more than just art. It was part of the Auckland landscape. It was an integral part of the city’s identity.
Now. Only charred remains stand. The sculpture’s story isn’t over. It lives on. In the memories of those who witnessed its glory. Its legacy lives on in the stories we tell. Aucklanders know this piece of history. The tragedy only serves to deepen its significance. The Homage to Will. A monument. A testament to a history both celebrated and lost. We remember the sculpture’s form. Its history. Its spirit. We remember what was lost to the fire. And what remains. The enduring spirit of Auckland.