Iconic Katikati Sculpture Barry Set for Repairs After Nearly a Year Off Display

Katikati's beloved public sculpture Barry — officially known as the Relaxed Typical Kiwi Bloke — is finally set to be repaired after being damaged when a vehicle struck him on Main Street on 27 April 2025. The work by South Island sculptor Donald Paterson was removed from his chair outside the Arts Junction at 36 Main Road shortly after the incident by Katikati Open Air Art (KOAA) committee member Steve Graveson.

KOAA announced this week that Paterson had made his way to Katikati, arriving on 19 March to begin the repair work. The organisation described the process as having involved "a mountain of paperwork, blood, sweat and oh so many tears" before repairs could get under way. In a lighthearted post on Facebook, KOAA noted that "Barry finally gets the surgery he needs."

The organisation thanked the community for their support and patience during Barry's long absence, acknowledging local affection for the sculpture as a sign of Katikati's identity as New Zealand's mural town.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).