An eight-legged West Auckland icon is set to be removed temporarily due to construction works in the area.
Nicknamed ‘Dale’ by locals, the 5-metre-wide arachnid is a distinctive landmark of Avondale and has towered over its main street for more than two decades.
The Avondale Business Association, which owns the statue, said the removal was scheduled for next week as part of preparations for the construction of the Te Hono community centre and Manawa housing development.
It said in a statement it is looking to preserve the spider’s legacy.
“The spider will be placed in secure storage, where it will be assessed by a professional restoration company to determine the scope of work required for its restoration.”
Urban regeneration agency Eke Panuku has agreed to fund the removal and transport, but additional funds will need to be raised to cover the cost of restoration and relocation.
Work to engage with community members to find a new location for the statue is ongoing, the statement from the association continued.
“The ABA will support the fundraising efforts needed for the statue’s restoration and eventual relocation. We encourage the Avondale community, both local and around the world, to donate to this important initiative.”
Association chairman Marcus Amosa said it appreciated the community support and patience during this period of transition.
“We are excited about the future of Avondale, but we also recognise the importance of the spider statue to many in our community.”
Dale is a statue of the Australian huntsman spiders that settled in the west Auckland suburb in the 1920s — widely believed to have hitched a ride across the ditch on railway sleepers.
