Twelve Local Heroes

The Twelve Local Heroes is a series of bronze busts located in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand on Worcester Boulevard outside the Arts Centre to commemorate twelve local Christchurch people who were prominent in their respective fields in the latter part of the 20th century.

Contents

History

The establishment of the commemorative sculptures was driven by the Twelve Local Heroes charitable trust. The project had been four years in the making before the bronze busts were unveiled on 18 March 2009.[1][2] The artwork was produced by the sculptor Mark Whyte.[3]

Local Heroes

The Twelve Local Heroes can be grouped by having died prior to the project commencing, by agreeing to be included but having since died, and by being alive.

Deceased prior to project start

Name Life years Description
Bill Sutton 1917–2000 artist
Elsie Locke 17 August 1912 – 8 April 2001 writer, feminist and social activist

Deceased since project start

Name Life years Description
Charles Luney 1905–2006 building industry leader
Sir Angus Tait 22 July 1919 – 7 August 2007 electronics pioneer and businessman
Sir Robertson Stewart[4] 21 September 1913 – 13 August 2007 industrialist and exporter
Professor Sir Donald Ward Beaven 31 August 1924 – 4 November 2009 medical researcher in the area of diabetes treatment and prevention

Alive

Name Born Description
Frank Dickson former Canterbury Savings Bank chief executive
Sir Richard John Hadlee 3 July 1951 former cricketer
Diana, Lady Isaac[5][6] 1920/1921 (age 91–92)[7] conservation, arts and architecture benefactor
Sir Tipene O'Regan 1 January 1939 Māori leader
Sir Miles Warren 1929 architect
Margaret Mahy 21 March 1936 author of children's and young adult books

References

  1. ^ Gates, Charlie (18 March 2009). "Local worthies in the bag". The Press. http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/2271419/Local-worthies-in-the-bag. Retrieved 24 March 2011. 
  2. ^ Hartevelt, John (19 March 2009). "Creative mistake for a creative writer". The Press. http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/2274995/Creative-mistake-for-a-creative-writer. Retrieved 24 March 2011. 
  3. ^ Mark Whyte, New Zealand.
  4. ^ Robertson Stewart, Christchurch City Libraries.
  5. ^ Sachdeva, Sam (9 January 2010). "Lady Isaac finalist for Senior of Year award". The Press. http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/3216897/Lady-Isaac-finalist-for-Senior-of-Year-award. Retrieved 24 March 2011. 
  6. ^ Gates, Charlie (22 October 2009). "A new old village with stories to tell". The Press. http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/2987915/A-new-old-village-with-stories-to-tell. Retrieved 24 March 2011. 
  7. ^ Fox, Michael (1 February 2010). "Inaugural New Zealander of the Year award finalists". The Press. http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/3281919/Inaugural-New-Zealander-of-the-Year-award-finalists. Retrieved 24 March 2011. 

Bibliography

Twelve Local Heroes of Christchurch

Sir Donald Ward Beaven · Frank Dickson · Sir Richard John Hadlee · Diana, Lady Isaac · Elsie Locke · Charles Luney · Margaret Mahy · Sir Tipene O'Regan · Sir Robertson Stewart · Bill Sutton · Sir Angus Tait · Sir Miles Warren