NZ Sculpture OnShore 2023

Overview

This November, Aucklanders will have the chance to explore New Zealand's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition, perched on the clifftop of Opertetu Fort, Takapuna overlooking Auckland's vast North Shore.

The event has been on a five-year break but NZ Sculpture OnShore is coming back in a big way with the exhibition showing a record number of 130 pieces, from over 100 artists hailing from across Aotearoa.

The exhibition began as a simple showing of artworks in the backyard of Takapuna locals David and Genevieve Becroft back in 1996, but soon grew into an all-out public event. Sculpture OnShore gives locals the unique opportunity to explore the underground of Opertutu Fort and the Officer's Mess, which served as living and training quarters for soldiers since 1889.

You don't need a PHD in the visual arts to enjoy wandering around the pop-up sculpture garden as these aren't your run-of-the-mill sculptures — with some pieces made with sound or light, and others created for specific sites.

And if you see something you like, you're in luck, as all of the pieces are up for sale. The proceeds from each purchase goes straight to Women's Refuge New Zealand, a country-wide organisation that supports women and children dealing with domestic violence. The exhibition has been raising money for the charity for 27 years, with funds raised so far reaching $2.2 million.

The exhibition will be running until Sunday, November 19. It's open to the public everyday except Mondays.