Michael Warners Awhi sculpture with, back row, Hospice Taranakis Heather Koch, Stacy Marshall, Rose Whitaker, Anne Graham and Paul Lamb. Front row Michael and Annie Warner far left and right plus granddaughter and daughter Lily and Kate Ahern

Lovingly crafted by dispensing optician and artist Michael Warner, sculpture Awhi (Hug), has been welcomed into the Hospice Taranaki fold this spring.

Placed outside the hospice entrance, the striking stone sculpture symbolises both remembrance and hope and was gifted to the hospice by the Warner family (Michael, Annie, Kate, Patrick and Lily) in memory of their son, brother and uncle Matthew, whose hugs were “truly unforgettable” the family said.

Crafted using local hard stone kōkawa (andesite), the sculpture is inscribed with: “In memory of Matthew, who gave the best hugs” and its base is engraved with the word ‘hug’, written in 18 languages.

“Hug beautifully represents who we are and what we stand for – inclusivity, compassion and connection,” said the hospice team. “Positioned by the front doors of Te Rangimarie, Hug welcomes everyone who enters and farewells those who leave – a gentle reminder that love and care surround all who come through our doors.”

Warner said he works mainly out of the Te Kupenga Stone Sculpture Society’s club rooms on Centennial Drive. “The club grounds are open for the public to wander through and see sculptures in progress. Now, I’m creating a small 150kg dog as a present and, after that, a large sculpture for a fundraiser auction for Taranaki Hospice to be held next September.”