'Moment of Release - Robert Webb and the albatross' bronze public sculpture

Help us to begin sculpting a bronze public sculpture to honour Robyn and Robert Webb and their lifetime of volunteer work at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre.

THE SCULPTURE

The bronze will stand 2.2m tall and depict Robert Webb launching a 3.2m wingspan albatross.

Robert Webb himself is enthusiastic about the project.

The artwork tells the story of how Robert released Albert the albatross back to the wild in 2005, and how Robert's lifetime of helping birds has changed the way many people around the country view our native birds.

THE ARTISTS

This is a collaboration between portrait sculptor Dell Pryor, and bird sculptor Susan Dinkelacker (www.bronzekiwi.com). Both are experienced in creating large bronze works.

LOCATION

The sculpture will be gifted to the people of Whangarei. The preferred place to install it would be on public land in Tutukaka for all to enjoy.

WHAT WE'VE ACHIEVED SO FAR

We've had meetings with the mayor of Whangarei, Sheryl Mai, and have her support. The design of the sculpture has been refined over a period of two years. Foundry and engineering quotes have been obtained. Talks are currently underway with Whangarei District Council and stakeholders at Tutukaka regarding finalising the exact location.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your donation will allow the artists to begin sculpting. More importantly it'll prove this project has strong community support. And please share this link.

WHAT IT WILL COST

Casting the bronze at the foundry, artists time sculpting, engineering design to ensure it's safe, plinth fabrication and installation all add up to around $50k.

OUR FUNDING PLAN

This initial Boosted target covers only 10%. Further funding can be applied for from agencies like CreativeNZ.

Proving good community support really strengthens such funding requests.

HELP THE SCULPTURE BECOME A REALITY

Contribute by clicking on the big red 'donate' button. All contributions, even something small, will be greatly appreciated as it'll prove our community wants this artwork and its lasting message of support for the Whangarei Bird Recovery Centre.

WHAT YOU GET BACK

Donations via this crowdfunding site qualify NZders for a 33% tax credit from the IRD.

Plus you'll know, on the day this sculpture is unveiled, that you've been part of something worthwhile that'll outlive us all.

THANK YOU

As Robert Webb says: "This bronze will last forever - as will its message of support for the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre."