Crowds gather outside the opening of Leeston's newest eel sculpture

A beautiful new addition to the Leeston townscape was officially opened in a ceremony last Friday. The 11-metre long stainless steel tuna (eel) sculpture and surrounding information panels are the result of seven years of planning, fundraising and mahi by the Ellesmere Lions Club.

The Lions worked closely with local rūnanga, Ngāi te Ruahikihiki, as well as various community groups, businesses, and Council, to create a monument which reflects the rich heritage of the Ellesmere district.

The team at Council started coordinating the project with the Ellesmere Lions Club back in 2019.

Major Projects Manager, Phil Millar says it was great to finally see the eel come to life after several years of work supporting the Ellesmere Lions Club in their ambitious project, which at one stage got pushed out due to Covid-19 lockdown.

“I am very happy to see the great outcome that has been achieved after so much work has been put in by the Ellesmere Lions, other supporters and Selwyn District Council, creating a quality eel sculpture for the community of Leeston and visitors to enjoy.”Mayor Sam and community man cut rope in front of eel sculpture

The Council and Selwyn Libraries worked with the Ellesmere Historical Society and Ellesmere RSA to produce several information panels around the eel, which tell a range of stories, from the creation of tuna to the history of farming and industry in the Ellesmere district.

The tuna sits at the eastern entrance to Leeston on High Street, between the war memorial and medical centre.

Around 100 people gathered on a sunny spring day for the opening ceremony, which was marked with a speech by Lions Club President Donald Green, a karakia from Pūamiria Parata-Goodall (Ngāi te Ruahikihiki), and official ribbon cutting by Mayor Sam Broughton.

You can read more about the tuna sculpture, and the history that is told around it, by visiting Kā Kōrero o Waikirikiri Selwyn Stories.

Last modified: 08 Oct 2024 5:16pm