Kowhai Grove

Location: Grey Street Arcade, entry located next to 45 Grey Street

Almost 3000 illuminated flowers make up Kōwhai Grove by Bobbie Gray, which adorn the ceiling of the Grey Street arcade. Each kōwhai flower has been made using six single-use plastic bottles that have been carved, shaped, heated and painted to represent the iconic bloom. Inside each of the flowers are LED bulbs which light the arcade as people walk down it.

The bottles used for the installation were collected by Bobbie’s family and friends, Tauranga’s Envirohub, Banana Blossom Café, and the many local workshop participants who also helped shape the thousands of bottles needed. Without this installation, these bottles were destined for the landfill. Kōwhai Grove serves as a reminder of the impact our waste has on the planet and hopes to inspire viewers to rethink their own consumption.

Information from: https://cityartwalktga.stqry.app/1/tour/6885/item/233612