The Pine Man
Arguably the most iconic Talking Pole in our collection. Situated right next to State Highway 1 in the heart of the Leith Place Talking Pole Forest stands The Pineman.
He symbolizes the many jobs that forests provide for the people of the district, with forestry being one of the main industries. The Pineman (sometimes referred to as the Chainsaw Man by locals) represents the various pine men and women forestry workers that reside in the area. Extending back through generations of families who have worked in the forestry sector.
People working in the timber industry are hardworking and strong individuals and this carving hopes to serve as appreciation for their hard work over the many years of working in the timber industry. Due to the recent increases in dairy prices much of the forestry land is being converted into farmland for increased dairy production.
This work was commissioned by The Rotary Club of Tokoroa.
| Location | Leith Place Talking Pole Forest |
| Materials | Pine (tanalised), metal chainsaw blade and support, rubber, leather. Set on large concrete plinth. |
| Created | 2004 |
| Artists | Peter Dooley & Joe Wilkinson |
| Definition of Name | Pine - 'Any of various evergreen trees of the genus Pinus, having fascicles of needle-shaped leaves and producing woody, seed-bearing cones.' Man - 'An adult male person' |
| Definition Interpretation | Tokoroa has a strong forestry community and workforce, this carving depicts a Pine Man'. A man who works in the pine forests throughout his day. |
Materials
The material used for this sculpture was New Zealand Pinus Radiata. The wood for this pole came from Pohuturoa, south of Tokoroa. Pine is originally from California, America. New Zealand pine grows well in New Zealand's soils and climate, providing a strong economical and versatile timber.
New Zealand pine produces tall trunks that can be used and suited for wood furniture and all forms of show wood applications, including carvings and sculptures. New Zealand pine is a valued part of New Zealand's economy providing jobs to many throughout the country.
Also used for this carving were metal chainsaw blade, rubber, leather, and concrete plinth.
