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Story: Iron and steel

Iconic iron

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Iconic iron

The sculptor Jeff Thomson has successfully integrated two icons of New Zealand culture – corrugated iron and a Holden station wagon, on display at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. The iron came from the Criterion Hotel in Napier, which was burnt down. Its re-use in a sculptural form symbolises the adaptability of the material.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Reference: 1996-0005-1

by Jeff Thomson

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Fleur Templeton, Iron and steel – Corrugated iron, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/7709/iconic-iron (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Fleur Templeton, published 2 March 2009.