The Rangiora Ashley Community Board has requested a sculpture be placed on Kippenberger Avenue to commemorate the avenue’s namesake, Sir Howard Kippenberger, 1897- 1957.

Kippenberger was best known as a decorated soldier who became commander of the New Zealand Division in the Second World War. Known as Kip, he was deemed as being New Zealand’s most popular and talented military leader.

He was also well known for his contributions in the local community.

Rangiora-Ashley Community Board (RACB) members have expressed that this artwork needs to focus on Kippenberger as a person and in particular his time in Rangiora, with an intentional focus on not becoming another war memorial or military statue.

A wide range of artistic styles and approaches are encouraged, from bold, colourful, and eyecatching designs to abstract forms and panel cutouts. While innovative concepts are preferred, traditional statue-style sculptures will also be taken into consideration.

They would like to honour Kippenberger as not only a soldier who served valiantly to protect our freedoms, but also a man with passionate interests and community spirit. It is therefore important that this art doesn’t appear as a ‘war memorial’ but rather celebrates Kippenberger for all aspects of his life.

The project provides an opportunity for skilled and experienced artist/s to make their mark on Rangiora by having their work potentially selected and permanently exhibited on a main thoroughfare.

For more information on the design brief and making a submission download the project brief here.