Contemplation and reflection. That is what the David Lange Memorial offers. This artwork celebrates the life of David Lange. He was New Zealand’s 32nd Prime Minister.
The David Lange Memorial Trust gifted the memorial to Auckland. It is now part of Auckland Council’s public art collection. The memorial stands on council land. It is on the northern side of Tōia. Tōia is Ōtāhuhu’s library, pool, and leisure centre.
Brian FitzPatrick knew David Lange. They were colleagues in the law profession. They worked together on community projects. FitzPatrick helped form the trust to establish the David Lange Memorial.
Completed in 2008 by artist Virginia King, the memorial features a suspended vessel. Excerpts from Lange’s 1977 maiden speech to Parliament are on the vessel’s north side. On the south side are excerpts from his 1985 Oxford Union debate.
The David Lange Memorial vessel is oriented east to west. This references the Māori portage between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours. It symbolizes the passage of life. It alludes to the cycle of time from sunrise to sunset. Twelve columns surround the vessel. They represent the diversity of the Ōtāhuhu community. The columns are banded with symbols.
Manukau Councillor Alf Filipaina was pleased that the trust selected the council to receive this gift. He said art enhances public spaces. It is essential in any vibrant modern city. This work celebrates a larger-than-life Prime Minister and statesman. He had deep local connections.
The David Lange Memorial cost about $250,000. The council maintains the memorial. The annual cost is less than $1000. The Public Art Advisory Panel reviewed the deed of gift proposal. They unanimously recommended accepting the offer. This was based on the memorial’s site, cultural significance, current care, and alignment with public art policy outcomes.
The David Lange Memorial is not a statue. David Lange would have hated that. The memorial provides a space to sit eat think and meditate. The written element is heavily laden with symbolism.
The vessel symbolizes a chalice and journey. The form references the historic portage route. The David Lange Memorial includes the vessel and sixteen poles. Stainless steel bands of iconography represent different ethnicities. These ethnicities are part of the Ōtāhuhu community. Text planks are on either side. They have phrases from David Lange’s speeches.
The vessel is 9000mm long 2500mm wide and 1200mm deep. The pole height varies. Materials include 3mm marine grade 316 stainless steel. It is hand finished and electropolished. Steel and timber poles engraved basalt and landform earthworks are used. The David Lange Memorial won Best Public Sculpture from Metro Magazine in December 2008.
Take a moment to appreciate this unique tribute to a remarkable leader. The David Lange Memorial stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. It also represents his connection to this community.