Overview
A striking celebration of movement, balance and grace.
Rising more than three metres above the trail, Kōrikori captures the elegance of a dancer poised en pointe. Created from corten steel, this remarkable sculpture transforms an industrial material into a form that appears light, fluid and full of motion.
Positioned overlooking the Waihi River corridor, Kōrikori will create an unforgettable moment for visitors, inviting them to pause, reflect and appreciate the beauty of movement expressed through sculpture.
What Kōrikori will bring to the trail
Kōrikori brings a unique artistic dimension to the Geraldine Sculpture Trail.
While many public sculptures celebrate landscape, history or abstract forms, Korikori introduces the human figure in a way that is both contemporary and universally understood. Dance transcends age, culture and language, allowing an immediate connection between artwork and viewer.
The sculpture’s commanding presence and graceful silhouette will create a distinctive landmark within the Rhododendron Dell Trail. Seen from a distance, it will draw visitors forward; viewed up close, the intricate steel fabrication reveals the extraordinary craftsmanship behind the work.
By combining strength and delicacy, Korikori offers an experience that is both visually striking and emotionally engaging.
About the Artwork
Kōrikori is a 2.4-metre-high corten steel sculpture depicting a dancer balanced en pointe atop a compact steel plinth. Including its base, the sculpture rises to more than three metres in height.
The work showcases the remarkable transformation of rigid industrial steel into flowing, organic forms. Every stage of its creation, from structural design and framework fabrication through to shaping, welding, grinding and finishing, requires exceptional precision and craftsmanship.
The sculpture’s faceted surfaces catch and reflect changing light throughout the day, creating a sense of movement even when standing still. The result is a powerful contrast: an industrial material known for its strength and permanence expressing the grace, balance and poise of a dance.
Location
Kōrikori will be located on the Rhododendron Dell Trail, on a grassy knoll behind Verde overlooking the trail and river. The location was selected by the artist and approved by the Timaru District Council in October 2025.
Visitors approaching from the Village Inn will gradually discover the sculpture as they walk along the trail, while those travelling from the library end will catch glimpses of the work before it comes fully into view. This carefully considered positioning enhances the sense of anticipation and arrival, making Korikori a memorable feature of the trail experience.
Help bring Kōrikori to the Geraldine Sculpture Trail and create a landmark artwork that celebrates beauty, movement and imagination for generations to come.
The Artist
Lars Thomsen and James Thompson
Lars Thomsen and James Thompson are Christchurch-based fabricators whose work combines precision engineering with contemporary steel sculpture.
Specialising in high-performance automotive fabrication, they have spent years mastering the art of transforming raw steel into functional works of precision. Their move into large-scale sculpture grew from a desire to push beyond engineering and explore the expressive potential of steel.
Combining traditional fabrication techniques with modern geometric design, they create sculptures that reveal the beauty and versatility of steel.
Kōrikori is their first large-scale public sculpture.
