The official photographic portrait of former Mayor Aaron Hawkins is today being unveiled.
The portrait is the work of Koputai / Port Chalmers artist Chris Schmelz, who specialises in both photography and film, and was taken in front of Ko te Tūhono in the Octagon.
Mr Hawkins says, “When it came to choosing a setting for it, there was a shortlist of one.
“The arrival of Ko te Tūhono in the Octagon was a special moment during my time as Mayor. It was the first public art the city had commissioned in well over a decade, and it faces back towards Ōtakou – speaking to the growing strength of the relationship between council and mana whenua in recent years.”
“I’m proud of Council’s efforts under my leadership to build a brighter future for Ōtepoti Dunedin and a more people-friendly CBD, and Ko te Tūhono is a potent symbol of that mahi.”
Mr Hawkins, formerly a two-term Councillor, served as Mayor from 2019 until 2022.
His photographic portrait is also the first of a former Mayor to be taken since the Council voted in 2023 to replace oil portraiture with photographs to document its elected leaders.
The $2800 cost of the portrait is being met by the DCC.
The portrait will be placed in secure storage at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery until it can be displayed once the refurbishment of the Municipal Chambers is complete.
Mr Hawkins was also pleased his photograph has been finished using a caffenol process, meaning – in a final nod to the rigours of public life – it has developed in a solution of caffeine.
“I couldn’t think of a better way to finish it off than with one last mug of filter coffee.”
