Rise
SPONSORED BY
Towering above the Te Awa Lifecare wetlands with an impressive 5-metre wingspan, Rise is a monumental tūī sculpture that commands attention from everyone who travels the cycle trail.
Emerging from the heart of the wetlands, RISE depicts a colossal tūī lifting skyward, its wings unfurling above the trail. This striking public artwork celebrates the vitality of Aotearoa’s native wildlife and the deep connections between land, people, and place. As the giant tūī ascends from the reeds, it invites riders and walkers to pause, reflect, and rediscover the living energy of the wetlands. RISE stands as a symbol of renewal and kaitiakitanga—a reminder that when nature thrives, we rise with it.
About The Artist
Nicolas Lupacchino is a metal sculptor based in Wanaka, New Zealand.
Born in Belgium to Italian parents, Nicolas learned welding and metal fabrication in his homeland. He moved to New Zealand in 2018, where he found inspiration in the country’s natural beauty.
Currently working from his Luggate studio, Nicolas crafts his sculptures with a blend of technical precision and artistic intuition. Through metal, he narrates the stories of the natural world, bringing raw materials to life and striving to capture the essence of his wildlife subjects.
Committed to environmental sustainability, Nicolas predominantly uses recycled metals in his work, aiming to minimize his ecological footprint.
He is today committed to pursuing sculpture full-time, continually refining his artistry and expressing his vision through shaping metal, allowing the sometimes uncertain nature of the process to become an integral component of the artistic experience.
Sculpture Development
The artist shaping, refining, and bringing Rise to life.
Construction Begins
Work begins on the internal structure that will support Rise.
The Wings
The wings start to take shape, defining the sculpture’s span and posture.
Feathers
Individually crafted feathers are attached, adding texture and movement to the wings.
Taking Shape
With wings and body assembled, the tūī’s full form begins to emerge.
Base plate
The base plate is carefully measured and prepared to anchor the sculpture.
Tui Head
The tūī’s head is formed, bringing expression and identity to the piece.
Rise
Perched atop its branch, the sculpture begins to live up to its name.
Complete
The sculpture is complete and ready to transport to site
Visit The Sculpture
Rise is located on the Velodrome to Cambridge section of the Te Awa River Ride.
