Anzac Carving, Rissington after the Cyclone
Reason for the name
A Redwood tree was identified by an arborist as having dieback affecting the safety of the road with a recommendation to remove it.
Council officers were aware of the history of the tree and asked the community for feedback before its removal.
The community requested that the stump of the tree remain if possible and a carving be made from it. Council’s road engineer investigations concluded that the clear zone from Puketitiri Rd allowed for the stump to remain, and Council officers gave approval for the carving.
At the corner of Soldier Settlement and Puketitiri roads, in the heart of Rissington, was a large historic Redwood tree, 120 years old. Apparently planted by a gentleman from up country, returning from a trip to town to sell his wares, it always ended in a 3-day ‘bender’ in town, he would then climb upon his horse, head for home, and would plant a Redwood seed wherever he slept for the night. This Redwood was one of the last remaining trees of many in the district planted by him. This historic tree was to be removed by the council due to dieback disease. Two local ladies set out to preserve history, spending two years dedicated to this project, raising $40,000 and completing their vision.
The Anzac Sculpture, standing six metres tall is impressive and very appropriate, given that it is on the corner of Soldiers Settlement Road and the local War Memorial site, directly across the road. Anzac services are held each year, with Defence Force and Cadet Force representation. The service is always well attended by locals of which there are sons and grandsons still farming original Ballot farms in the district of the soldiers that returned from WW1.
The Anzac Sculpture is an amazing asset to an already beautiful and historic valley. Local features include the iconic one-way Bailey Bridge, a historic cemetery, a War Memorial site, a historic Rissington Hall site and a little further along Puketitiri Road, is ‘Weka’, home to the Scouts with ‘Little John’ instigating the first camp there in 1911.
All of these historic sites are within walking distance from ‘Omatua Riverside Retreat' where many people from all walks of life visit. ‘Omatua’ is the birthplace of ‘Country Woman’s Institute’ founded by Miss Jerome Spencer.
Puketitiri Road is the main road leading to Pakatutu, Puketitiri, Patoka, and of course Rissington. The sculpture is very visible to every passing motorist from both ways. It attracts interest from not only locals but the many residents beyond Rissington, including visitors to the region who come to participate in activities such as hunting, fishing, tramping, golfing and sightseeing.
The chain-sawed Redwood tree Sculpture is Anzac focussed depicting two sback-to-back to back, heads and rifles lowered.
The Australian soldier faces Sydney and the New Zealand soldier faces Napier. Standing six meters tall, it is very impressive and appropriate carving, given that it is on the corner of Soldiers Settlement Road.
The Carvers
The sculpture was carved by master carver Hugh Tareha, and Chris Elliott.
The sculpture was a labour of love and both artists/carvers are known throughout Hawkes Bay.
The Anzac sculpture is the last carving of Hugh Tareha as sadly he passed away when the sculpture was 2/3 thirds completed. Chris Elliott who had been working alongside Hugh was able to complete the sculpture.
Cyclone Gabriel 2023
The Rissington area was badly affected by Cyclone Gabriel in February 2023.
Bronwyn Farquarson reported on 5 April 2024:
"Cyclone Gabrielle verses ANZAC sculpture at Rissington!
Amongst the devastation throughout the Rissington valley, I am delighted to report that the Soldiers stood strong and won! With houses buried or left uninhabitable, our bridge connecting our communities totally washed away, destruction and debris all around, our Soldiers were left in what could only be described as a scene from a battlefield. But stand strong they did, as did our Soldiers in WW1 and WW2. They have been a form of strength, watching over the valley, as we have battled with the clearing of our land, housing, historic and remembrance areas
ANZAC Day 2023, was supported by approximately 250 people. With our temporary bridge only just in place in time to confirm an ANZAC service, it was the first opportunity for many to venture out to our community. They came to see firsthand the destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle and to pay homage to those who gave there Service in WW1 and WW2. Many a comment was made, how the scene that day, was related to the one they were in all those years ago. But our scars will not be as deep as theirs and we are very proud of the long way we have come in reclaiming our valley, community and historic sites.
With the water damage to the brass plaque which holds the names of our locals who went to WW1 and WW2, we have taken the opportunity to do further research and have updated it. Hopefully it will arrive in time to be fitted to our Memorial for our 11am ANZAC service this year. Also we have started fundraising for the next stage of our ANZAC sculpture, which is ensuring its preservation and magnificence, so our future generations can come and reflect, honoring our Soldiers, past and present."
Authors
Bronwyn Farquharson
Ruth Dawson
Helen Gelletly
