Feel the smooth cool concrete beneath your feet. This is Soapbox. A unique platform overlooking Lake Pupuke in Killarney Park.
Soapbox isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a tribute to New Zealand’s women’s suffrage movement. It commemorates the 125th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. This remarkable artwork honors Kate Sheppard and her fellow suffragettes. They used soapboxes to spread their message of equality.
Designed and built by a collective of talented artists and Jasmax architects Soapbox is more than a simple stage. It’s a carefully crafted platform. Its angular form suggests a sense of movement and progress. The red-oxide-tinted concrete blends beautifully with the natural surroundings. Its surface features a zigzag pattern. This represents the convergence of many voices working towards suffrage.
Soapbox’s location isn’t accidental. It’s near the Pumphouse Theatre. This historic theatre already hosts numerous performances. Soapbox extends that tradition offering a space for bold creative expression. Local schools and kindergartens even use it as a stage. Imagine Shakespearean actors practicing their lines here. It’s also a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. Enjoy the stunning views across the lake.
Soapbox is part of a larger series of public artworks. These celebrate the theme of suffrage. Other installations include Kid Justice and Mahi Tahi. They are found in other parts of Auckland. However Soapbox is unique in its location and design. It will remain in Killarney Park for five years. Then it will make way for a new series of artworks.
This remarkable piece showcases the power of art. It creates a space for reflection action and community engagement. Remember Soapbox is more than a sculpture. It’s a symbol of progress a place of empowerment and a testament to the enduring legacy of women’s suffrage in New Zealand.