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Waikino Memorial and Bridge




Deep in the heart of Waikino in the Hauraki District of Karangahake Gorge off the main highway lies this wall of Memorial Artwork.  The year was 1981 and at 5pm one night shocking news came through that the small town had been washed away by a huge torrent of water into the gorge. Three local men rowed a boat to the local Waikino Hotel to help those who were stranded by the tide but those in the premises didn't want to leave. In the 2nd mosaic on the art wall is a design of the rowboat in question.


The bridge and the art wall were opened in 2016 and the panels were designed by artists Michael Cole, Trevor Heighway, Irene Wilcocks, Christine Burne, Michael O'Donnell, Shona Laing (the NZ singer) and Con Kiernan - all of whom had ties to the area.


Apparently the panels incorporate six mixed media showing aspects of the area such as early flora and fauna, Maori history, Victorian battery mining days, art of another era, the flood and the after affects plus future vision for the town.


Interestingly the only 2 buildings which survived the flood are the Waikino Hotel and the local town hall - both of which are still in use today.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday and My Corner of the World.
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Comments

At Home In New Zealand said…
I remember that flood, it was terrible. I haven't visited here for several years so it must be time I returned for another look around. Might be a good school holiday trip!
2 December 2019 at 07:18
gz said…
It's a beautiful area, the gorge...but not after heavy rain!
2 December 2019 at 07:54
local alien said…
The gorge is wonderful. I love that road though I have driven through a couple of times in very heavy rain. A bit dicey!
2 December 2019 at 09:15
William Kendall said…
A story I wouldn't have been familiar with. A peaceful area today.
2 December 2019 at 10:29
Sallie (FullTime-Life) said…
Oh my goodness, what a tragedy...but it is a beautiful memorial.
2 December 2019 at 20:40
DawnTreader said…
Sad event, but lovely memorial.
3 December 2019 at 05:39
Lady Fi said…
What a terrible tragedy! But lovely bridge and area.
3 December 2019 at 19:43
rupam sarma said…
oh sad to read. Great tribute.
3 December 2019 at 22:24
Carol @Comfort Spring Station said…
I love that something beautiful came from a tragedy
4 December 2019 at 00:28
Sharon said…
What a story! I fear more and more things like that will happen.
4 December 2019 at 04:24
Graham Edwards said…
When I think about it 1981 is really not so long ago but so much has happened by way of communication improvements since then.
4 December 2019 at 08:55
Veronica Lee said…
Sad but what a beautiful memorial. Love the photos.
4 December 2019 at 16:43
PerthDailyPhoto said…
Gosh what a dreadful thing to happen Amy! The memorial panels are a beautiful and respectful way to remember ✨
5 December 2019 at 01:18
betty-NZ said…
I do love places that are off the beaten track and would love to visit this one in the near future. I suppose the architecture and size of the two remaining buildings played a part in their survival.

It's great to see you at 'My Corner of the World' this week!

My Corner of the World
5 December 2019 at 12:11
David M. Gascoigne, said…
Obviously the flood was catastrophic, but the area looks tranquil and lovely now.
6 December 2019 at 03:16
Powell River Books said…
A terrible event. We live on a lake behind a dam. I don't know what would happen to our floating cabin if the lake level drastically lowered 24 feet if the dam went out. - Margy
6 December 2019 at 15:20
NatureFootstep said…
beautiful artwork, including the bridge. It is a work of art too. :)
11 December 2019 at 09:44
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