Overview
A sculpture designed to be touched, enjoyed and shared.
Created by Canterbury sculptor Hannah Kidd, Bronze Dog celebrates the special connection between people, animals and place. Resting comfortably on a purpose-designed plinth, this life-sized bronze sculpture is intended to be fully interactive, inviting visitors of all ages to stop, sit, touch and engage with the artwork.
Friendly, approachable and full of character, Bronze Dog will create moments of delight for locals and visitors alike, becoming a much-loved companion along the Geraldine Sculpture Trail.
What Bronze Dog will bring to the trail
Bronze Dog offers something different from many public sculptures. Rather than asking viewers to stand back and observe, it encourages them to come closer and interact.
Children will be able to climb beside it, families will stop for photographs, and visitors will naturally gather around the sculpture as they explore the trail. This sense of accessibility and connection makes the work particularly welcoming and community focused.
The sculpture is expected to become a favourite landmark and meeting point, adding warmth, personality and a strong sense of engagement to the Geraldine Sculpture Trail.
About the Artwork
Cast in bronze and mounted on an engineered concrete and steel plinth, Bronze Dog has been specifically designed for public enjoyment and long-term durability.
While Hannah Kidd is widely known for her distinctive sculptures created from recycled steel, this work marks a transition into bronze. The choice of material reflects the need for resilience in a public setting, ensuring the sculpture can withstand years of interaction while maintaining its beauty and character.
The sculpture captures the relaxed and loyal nature of a dog at rest. Its welcoming posture invites people to sit alongside it, pat its head, pose for photographs or simply pause for a moment of connection. The plinth has been designed to make the sculpture accessible to everyone, from young children to older visitors.
Over time, the bronze surface will develop the rich patina that makes public bronze sculptures so enduring and treasured.
Location
Bronze Dog will be located at the northern end of the Waihi River Trail close to the viewing platform overlooking the river.
This prominent location creates a natural stopping place for walkers and families exploring the trail. Visitors will be able to sit alongside the sculpture, enjoy the river views and capture photographs with what is sure to become one of the trail’s most loved artworks.
The sculpture’s welcoming nature and accessible design make it an ideal fit for this gathering space. Positioned at a scenic lookout, Bronze Dog will offer a moment of connection, encouraging visitors to pause, reflect and enjoy both the artwork and the surrounding landscape.
A sculpture designed to be touched, enjoyed and loved by generations of visitors.
The Artist
Based in Alford Forest, Mid Canterbury, Hannah Kidd has built a strong reputation as one of New Zealand’s respected contemporary sculptors.
Over several decades, her work has been exhibited throughout New Zealand and collected both nationally and internationally. Hannah is particularly known for her ability to transform industrial materials into expressive forms that capture the character and spirit of her subjects.
Her sculptures often celebrate the natural world, drawing inspiration from animals, birds and the rural landscapes that surround her. Through a combination of technical skill and artistic sensitivity, she creates works that are both visually compelling and instantly relatable.
