After undergoing a seven-week refurbishment, the statue was reinstalled on Monday at its town centre park, now perched on a base pole 45cm higher than its previous height. The increased elevation makes the sculpture more visible to passing motorists on State Highway 1, drawing positive attention from onlookers at the park.
Mayor Liz McMillan recently inspected the revamped statue alongside Christchurch sculptor Phil Price. McMillan marveled at the salmon’s new iridescent hues of pink and blue, complemented by shimmering grey scales that sparkled in the sunlight.
Price, the sculptor behind the masterpiece, expressed his satisfaction at seeing his work restored to its former glory. He praised the intricate paint job, noting how the colors shifted and glistened depending on the viewing angle.
Rakaia School student leaders were equally impressed by the statue’s makeover, noting the increased level of detail and realism in the design. Principal Mark Ellis also welcomed the return of the salmon, highlighting its significance as a symbol for the school.
The Chinook salmon species in the Rakaia River holds cultural and environmental importance, with ties to both the town’s history and the native peoples of America. In 2024, the Winnemem Wintu tribe from California visited the school to learn about the thriving salmon population in the river.
During the refurbishment process, the statue was placed on a higher pole to prevent damage to its tail caused by people touching it. The project, funded through reserve contributions, was deemed necessary to prevent the sculpture from deteriorating beyond repair.
While the final cost of the refurbishment has not been disclosed, councilors allocated funds up to $297,000 plus GST for the project, with several companies providing services in kind to potentially reduce costs.
The reimagined salmon statue stands as a testament to the town’s history and natural heritage, captivating both residents and visitors alike with its renewed beauty and artistry.
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I was so bored by the movie that I ended up falling asleep in the middle of it. sentence: Please remember to bring your ID card with you.
