Unity
This sculpture represents people coming together, the basket weave on the base symbolises their intertwined journeys.
Every person is different and and all have their own unique experiences, it is important to accept these differences and appreciate the wealth of knowledge that people have.
Although every individuals journey may be different they can become intertwined when two or more people agree on a certain value or idea, this leads to a feeling of unity. The people of Tokoroa have unity towards the community and to their children.
The community of Tokoroa believe in this town and believe in making it the best it can be.
| Location | Roslin Street/ Torphin Crescent corner |
| Material | Stone, ignimbrite with Oamaru limestone top, on concrete base. |
| Created | 2006 |
| Artist | Steve Molloy |
| Definition of Name | Unity - A group or collection of people being one, or being in harmony. |
| Definition Interpretation | Unity is when a group of individuals with possibly different values, backgrounds and ages come together in protest or support of one idea that is agreed upon between the people. |
Materials
One of the materials used in this sculpture include Ignimbrite. Ignimbrite is formed when explosive material from volcanic eruptions are cooled. As this material settles it builds up in thick layers, and can if hot enough weld into rock. Usually volcanic rocks are located close to the volcanic eruption site, ignimbrite can be found up to hundreds of kilometres away. The colouring of this rock is usually light coloured although pink variations can be found.
Oamaru Limestone has also been used by the artist. As the name states Oamaru limestone is a variety of compact limestone. This limestone is quarried close to Oamaru, Otago in New Zealand. This stone is mainly used for building, the finished stone can be a sand like colour. The use of this stone in New Zealand is common, many old public buildings throughout the South Island are constructed using Oamaru Limestone, it is usually used in conjunction with other materials. Other uses for the stone include use in sculptures, many sculptors find the stone easy to work which is evident by the amount of sculptures made from this stone found throughout New Zealand.
Artist Notes
Steve Molloy is currently based in Auckland but is originally from Hokitika. He works with a variety of stone, metal and native timber.
Steve's piece is about people coming together for a common cause, and he is working on a series of sculptures with the same theme and look around New Zealand. The pattern on the base is a basket weave, representing our journeys which are all intertwined. The students from Te Wānanga O Aotearoa also helped with this part.
