After nearly a year away for essential conservation work, one of Grey Lynn Park’s most beloved landmarks has returned home.
Richard McWhannell’s striking sculpture, Night Errant, is once again standing sentinel over the park, ready to watch over our community for many more years to come.
For those encountering this iconic figure for the first time, Night Errant is a sculpture inspired by a friend of the artist who was warming his hands over a barbecue.
With arms outstretched and head tilted skyward, the sculpture radiates a quiet strength and presence. It’s a simple, relatable moment – who hasn’t stood like that, soaking up the warmth of a fire on a cold day?
A Rich Community History
Night Errant was first installed in 1994 as part of an ambitious community arts initiative called Sculptura.
Between 1993 and 1996, local residents commissioned seven sculptures for Grey Lynn Park, each created by artists who lived in or had strong connections to our neighbourhood.
The project was a true community effort, funded by the Western Bays Community Board, Northern Regional Arts Council, Creative Communities, Community Initiatives, Grey Lynn Mainstreet, Grey Lynn/Westmere Community Committee, a generous private benefactor, and local residents themselves.
This grassroots approach to public art transformed the park’s gully into an outdoor gallery, cementing Grey Lynn’s reputation as a creative, community-minded suburb.
A Journey Through Time
Originally carved from macrocarpa and positioned in the valley, Night Errant received its first makeover in 2007, when it was moved to a prominent spot atop the hill.
Now, 18 years later, the sculpture has undergone its second – and most significant – transformation.
Time and weather had taken their toll on the timber and steel support, making extensive restoration necessary.
Rather than simply repair the existing structure, the decision was made to recreate the sculpture in native tōtara timber. This choice honours our heritage while ensuring the sculpture’s longevity.
Tōtara’s natural durability and resistance to decay means Night Errant will continue to be part of our park’s landscape for generations to come.
Come and Say Hello
You’ll find Night Errant at the top of the hill behind the new grandstand seating, overlooking the sports field.
It’s the perfect spot – the sculpture continues its role as guardian of the park, watching over footballers, picnickers, dog walkers, and everyone else who calls this green space home.
We encourage you to take a moment to visit this renewed treasure. Whether you’re reacquainting yourself with an old friend or discovering Night Errant for the first time, there’s something special about standing beside this figure, arms outstretched to the sky, sharing in the warmth of our wonderful community space.
Welcome back, Night Errant. We’ve missed you.
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