A Bold Addition to Tauranga’s Public Art Scene

Tauranga is set to welcome a new, large-scale public sculpture in its city centre, created by renowned New Zealand artist Paul Darragh. Known for his bold, abstract, and vibrant style, Darragh will be the second artist to contribute to the Font Public Art Trust’s contemporary collection, following the installation of Rauhea in Red Square in November 2024.

Rauhea, a 7-meter laser-cut steel sculpture by Rotorua-based artist Peata Larkin, was a landmark installation for Tauranga’s public art scene. Commissioned by the Font Public Art Trust and jointly funded by Tauranga City Council and TECT, it cost $300,000. Darragh’s upcoming sculpture is expected to be a similar investment, though the exact details of its size, material, and location are still being finalized.

Paul Darragh, based in Mount Maunganui, has a rich background in painting, sculpture, and large-scale mural work. His style is characterized by layered compositions, vibrant color palettes, and a fusion of design, architecture, and visual trickery. He has previously painted a mural on the side of the Tauranga Art Gallery, a piece that has become a local landmark.

In an interview with the Bay of Plenty Times, Darragh described the new sculpture as a "3D interpretation" of his signature flat work. He emphasized that it will be joyous, uplifting, and energetic—qualities he believes are essential to public art. "I feel like my artwork always has a positive bent, and that’s the sort of message I want to bring into a public space," he said. Darragh also noted that this will be his largest sculptural piece to date.

Vanessa Hamm, co-chair of the Font Public Art Trust, highlighted that Darragh was selected for his "quite different" artistic approach compared to Rauhea. "If you look at Paul Darragh’s art, it’s very colorful, very playful, with very bright colors, so I think it will be quite a contrast to Rauhea," she said. The sculpture is expected to be completed by late 2025 or early 2026.

Stephen Hahn, the other co-chair of Font, explained that the goal is to bring "world-class" contemporary art to Tauranga. "It’s putting a stamp on what we can be and what we can aim for," he said. From 2023 to 2033, Font aims to build a collection of contemporary public art that enriches the community without requiring visitors to pay for museum entry.

Greg McManus, Tauranga City Council director of arts, culture, and heritage, praised Font’s plans for the new sculpture. He noted that the council contributed $150,000 to the first sculpture, and its contribution to this new project is still being determined. McManus emphasized that public art, such as sculptures and murals, plays a vital role in shaping the identity and inclusivity of the city center. "These new artworks are helping build a city centre that is vibrant and inclusive, with exciting things to do for people of all ages, stages, and abilities," he said.

As Tauranga continues to grow, the addition of Darragh’s sculpture represents a bold step toward a more dynamic and culturally rich urban environment. With its vibrant colors, abstract forms, and emotional resonance, the piece is expected to become a new point of interest for locals and visitors alike.