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TRUST WA I KATO
ANNUAL REPORT
2 0 1 4
‘Holidays in Huntly’
caravan artwork was created by
New Zealand artist Peter Lange. Made from Huntly
brick and mortar, the caravan formed part of the
Waiclay exhibition in Hamilton in 2008, celebrating
ceramic tradition and creativity in New Zealand.
Following the exhibition, the caravan was displayed
outside the Waikato Museum and was a huge hit with
locals and visitors to Hamilton.
In May 2010 the Trust purchased the life-sized
caravan, which fits perfectly with the Trust’s goal
of making art works accessible throughout the region.
Passersby are drawn to it, with many exploring the
caravan inside and out, enjoying its fun sense of
adventure.
Living the life of a ‘real’ caravan, a plan was put in
place for it to travel across the region, stopping off at
various towns along the way. The caravan’s journey
began with a short stop in Cambridge on its way to
Tokoroa, followed by longer holidays in Tirau then
Putaruru. It then travelled to Paeroa, Taumarunui
and Otorohanga. Since May 2013 it has been on
display in Ngaruawahia. Finally, after a four-year-
long adventure, the caravan is due to be transported
back to Hamilton to be displayed permanently in the
grounds at Trust House.
Artist Peter Lange says that the caravan represents
fond memories from his time spent living in a caravan
while looking for minerals in New Zealand and
Australia in the 60s. The iconic cream and brown
Huntly brick has become a recognisable and nostalgic
building style in the region.
“It was always destined for the Waikato and with its
wonderful heritage of Huntly bricks, that’s where it
belongs,” says Peter Lange.
The Waikato Museum is caretaker of the caravan
and has been instrumental in carrying out regular
maintenance, including graffiti guarding, over the
past four years. Museum staff have also arranged for
the caravan to be physically transported with care, to
each new location in the region.
‘Holidays in Huntly’
has been an exciting addition
to the Trust art and taonga collection. It was meant
to travel and knowing that many people around the
region have enjoyed interacting with it, has been very
rewarding for the Trust.
‘Holidays in Huntly’
An artwork adventure
