Bronze kiwi Te Hau is back on the Whakatāne Kiwi Wandering Trail after community donations helped fund repairs following damage earlier this year.

Te Hau is one of 10 bronze kiwi sculptures that make up the trail and marks the final stop on the route.

Earlier this year, the sculpture was damaged when its legs were snapped, forcing it to be removed from its rock and sent away for repairs by its creator, sculptor Liz Grant.

Concerned about the cost of repairs, the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust turned to the community for support.

Donations quickly began coming in, ranging from a few dollars to several major contributions.

“We had three big donations,” trust representative Sherrie Thompson said. “And then we had probably 20 to 30 smaller donations, which was wonderful.”

The trust said every contribution helped.

“When you get the $5 one, you go, ‘Thank you for thinking of us.’ That person counts as well.”

The funds allowed Te Hau to be repaired and returned much sooner than expected. Trust staff initially thought the sculpture would not be back until summer, but Grant prioritised the work and completed the restoration in time for the winter school holidays.

“We were very, very happy about it,” Thompson said.

The trust also acknowledged the volunteers who donated their time and skills. Community members Sam Busby and Rick Boon helped remove the damaged sculpture and later assisted with its return and reinstatement.

The trust gave special thanks to major donors Aubrey Clarke, Vijaya Lokuketagoda and Pukeko Caterers, whose contributions helped make the restoration possible.

Te Hau has been returned to his rock in a slightly different position, facing out towards the water.

“He used to face randomly towards that tree,” trust member Lydia Grunwell said. “Now he’s looking out, which is quite cool.”

The trust hopes the sculpture’s return will remind people of the importance of caring for public art and supporting the conservation work that helps make Whakatāne the kiwi capital of the world.