He is buried in Waikanae cemetery. Would he turn in his grave at the NZTA + KCDC proposal for its destruction? You bet. (pic by Marijke Bullians)
the low rock wall on the Main Road was built by stonemason Leon Kiel (1959-2009)
07 Saturday Apr 2018
Posted in Uncategorized
I think Leon would have supported a best-practice design for the village entrance and road frontage regardless of his wall or not. He was all about the big picture of design and utility. So if there is a new design that works better for everyone, architecturally created to improve the aesthetics and flow of the area, he would have been happy to have his work taken down (it wasn’t his design to install the wall). However, if there isn’t a fantastic new design that is going to improve what has always been a very mediocre ad-hoc area, then I’m sure he would be upset to know one of the iconic, recognisable elements was to be destroyed. It may be of interest to note that the wall is actually a beautiful golden colour, but would need cleaning to rid it of the traffic film (I’m doubting this has ever been done). Thank you for posting this and the photo. I am touched to know that people still remember Leon with respect, and hold his work in such high regard. (Rachel Kiel-Taylor)
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