New Zealand falcons - kārearea - are a familiar sight in the skies above Central Otago, riding the big sky thermals and hunting for prey.
On Saturday, Historic Clyde Inc will unveil a sculpture of the falcon marking the completion of a more than 10-year dream.
The sculpture, commissioned by the volunteer group, was created by Glenorchy artist Dan Kelly using largely recycled steel from original Central Otago station and farm fences.
Spanning 5m high and 5.5m wide, the sculpture will be positioned on a plinth on Contact Energy-owned land near the Upper Clyde Dam lookout off State Highway 8.
Historic Clyde has a verbal "licence to occupy" with Contact Energy on condition the sculpture and surrounding area are maintained.
Historic Clyde’s project manager for the kārearea project, Marnie Kelly, said the group had been wanting to have a sculpture marking an entrance to Clyde for about 10 years, and three years ago settled on the native falcon.
The group raised $74,000 for the project.
"It took us a couple of years to raise the funds and a few of us local businesses started the fundraising off, then we had a lovely response from local building companies, painting, carpenters and electricians.
"It was a big target to achieve - especially for a small group," Ms Kelly said.
"We had no idea how much consultation would be involved ... the engineering ... it’s designed to take a lot of wind."
During the plinth’s installation on site earlier this month, two kārearea were flying around the area.
"It was pretty amazing," she said.
The group hoped the sculpture would encourage people to visit Clyde.
The kārearea will be blessed by iwi during a public ceremony at 11am on Saturday.
The morning will include speeches and a cake cutting with members of the public invited to attend.
