Sail sculpture temporarily removed for restoration

Published on 18 February 2026

The 'Sail' sculpture at the southern entrance to Whangārei has been removed for scheduled restoration after vandalism left it in poor shape. 

Installed in 2002 by local artists Chris Carey and Justin Murfitt, the structure is a well-known landmark for people entering the city.

The sculpture has been transported to Culham Engineering, the Whangārei firm that also fabricated the Camera Obscura on the Hātea Loop.

Their team will strip the Sail back to its original shape and fully restore it with a corten-steel exterior to form its distinctive, fabric-like surface.

Whangārei Urban Ward Councillor Marie Olsen says the damage made this restoration necessary. 

“The sculpture had been vandalised, and the extent of the damage meant we needed to carry out this level of work,” she says.

“The repair work is covered under Council’s insurance, so there is no added cost to ratepayers.”

Olsen says the project also supports long-term asset care.

“The Sail has been in place for more than 20 years, and this restoration will ensure it remains safe, durable and well presented for the community.”

The restoration is expected to take around six weeks, with the sculpture scheduled for reinstallation in April 2026.