A truly immersive experience celebrating Aotearoa, art, and marine conservation is coming to Auckland February 2021. Whale Tales is a public art trail exploring Tāmaki Makaurau and you’re invited! 

Auckland’s streets, parks, and open spaces will be adorned with 70 individually designed, beautifully created whale tail sculptures for 10 weeks during the summer/autumn of 2021. This event is presented by WWF-New Zealand, Wild in Art and made possible through the support of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) on behalf of Auckland Council. Whale Tales is an opportunity for New Zealand’s artists, businesses, schools, community groups, and individuals to collaborate on a marine-themed public art installation, coinciding with the 36th America’s Cup, to capture the hearts of visitors and residents alike while also generating awareness and action for our ocean’s health.

Inspired by Hauraki Gulf resident- the Bryde’s Whale, these sculptures will each tell the tale of marine conservation, particularly of the magically diverse Hauraki Gulf. Bryde’s Whale are found in the coastal waters around the Hauraki Gulf/Tikapa Moana/Te Moana Nui a Toi. In New Zealand, Bryde’s Whale are endangered with only an estimated 140-250 remaining. They feed and rest close to the surface, making them vulnerable to ship strikes, noise pollution, reductions in habitat, climate change, unsustainable fishing practices, and other human activities in the ocean.

WWF-New Zealand’s CEO, Livia Esterhazy, said: “If our whale populations are healthy and thriving, it is a sign our ocean is also healthy and thriving. Whale Tales is the story of a healthy ocean. Whales have been singing their own stories for generations and now is our opportunity to amplify their voices.”

Once the trail closes, the sculptures will be auctioned and the proceeds will go towards WWF’s vital work to protect and restore the mauri (life force) of our ocean.

From London to Melbourne, Wild in Art has hosted sculpture trails around the globe and raised millions of dollars for charity. Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Auckland and working with our partners WWF-New Zealand and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) to create Whale Tales - our second art trail in the city.”

“Our events are designed to bring the enjoyment of public art to everyone while offering new ways for people to explore their local area, but we need the support of local businesses to make it happen. Sponsorship of a whale tail is an unprecedented business development, employee and community engagement opportunity. There are many exciting ways to benefit from creative collaborations with us and it is an excellent way to support WWF-New Zealand’s vital work. Don’t miss the chance to join us!”

In 2018, Wild in Art produced the Big Hoot in Auckland which saw about 230,000 attendees visit and follow the trail of 47 giant owls during the 10 week run. It’s estimated over a million other people saw one or more of the Big Hoot sculptures which were auctioned to raise more than $382,000 for Child Cancer
Foundation.

Whale Tales will be a beautiful anchor to the wonderful events planned for 2021, as ATEED General Manager Destination, Steve Armitage, explains:“We’re working closely with Wild in Art to map out a trail to guide visitors beyond the city centre and America’s Cup Race Village. This ensures the entire region benefits from this dynamic, exciting public art display while also putting a well-deserved spotlight on the Hauraki Gulf and the waters which flow into it.”

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ABOUT WWF-NEW ZEALAND: WWF is a champion for a healthy ocean. Since 1975, WWF-New Zealand has been working for Aotearoa so people may live in harmony with nature. In order to fulfill this mission, we must protect and restore the mauri of our
ocean. Active in 100 countries, WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment by conserving our biological diversity, ensuring sustainable use of renewable natural resources, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful
consumption. Locally, we put in the hard mahi for a healthy, resilient ocean, innovative environment solutions, climate protection,and a sustainable future.

ABOUT WILD IN ART: Wild in Art is the leading producer of spectacular, mass-appeal public art events which connect businesses, artists, and communities through the power of creativity and innovation. Since 2008, Wild in Art has animated cities across the world including Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Sydney, Manchester, Cape Town, and Sāo Paulo.

Find out more about Wild in Art at wildinart.co.uk

ABOUT AUCKLAND TOURISM, EVENTS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (ATEED): Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) helps create a future of prosperity and opportunity for Auckland. It is the region and Auckland Council’s
economic development agency. They lay a foundation for Auckland’s economic growth by working with partners to deliver onmultiple objectives, from growing Auckland’s innovation culture and key sectors to attracting foreign direct investment, international
events, and visitors from around the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO GET INVOLVED, PLEASE CONTACT THE WHALE TALES TEAM:
Carl Jackson Hannah Prior
Whale Tales 2021 Sponsorship Manager Strategic Partnerships Manager
WWF-New Zealand WWF-New Zealand
027.455.0174 021.477.443
[email protected] [email protected]

Media Inquiries:
Caroline Hall Bruner, Media & Contact Manager
021.550.710
[email protected]