Crawford Reserve’s controversial blue artwork ‘Kid Justice’ has been temporarily removed for repairs.
Vandals recently damaged the feet of the $55,000 artwork, which was erected less than six months ago.
Kid Justice, by artist Erin Forsyth, was created as part of the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage.
Forsyth says Kid Justice depicted a “young person, a Governance, upholding equality for all people, looking toward an unseeable future.”
The community has been divided in their opinions of the artwork with many saying the monument is a “waste of money” and an “eye-sore”.
Others were supportive and have said they feel proud Howick was chosen to feature an artwork with such significant meaning and that it fills a gap in Howick’s public art collection.
Auckland Council’s Manager Public Art Emily Trent says they will be working with their maintenance team to repair the damage as quickly as possible.
“It’s disappointing to see acts of vandalism to public art projects, which ultimately cost local ratepayers,” she says.
“To ensure the work isn’t vandalised further, Kid Justice will be temporarily taken off-site for repairs.”
Trent encouraged people to report any vandalism with as much information as possible on 09 301 01 01.
Kid Justice rests on a plinth which has been designed as a permanent foundation on which to install a changing collection of art that responds to both contemporary and historic themes.
Repairs are estimated to take around three week and Kid Justice is expected to remain a feature at Crawford Reserve for five years.
