Building Whale Song
From bronze to reality.
The engineering, works, foundry delivery pathway and site preparation needed to bring seven life-sized bronze humpback whales to Kāpiti.
Why this page matters
This is the proof that Whale Song is buildable.
The books tell the story. The dashboard shows the impact. Building Whale Song shows the delivery pathway: engineering, fabrication, transport, assembly, site works and installation.
Structural engineering
More than sculpture.
Whale Song requires specialist structural engineering, foundations and support systems before the bronze whales can appear to swim through the air.
This page focuses on the built reality behind the vision: structure, site works, the 12-month foundry delivery pathway after order, reassembly, installation, lighting, wayfinding and storytelling around the sculpture.
No ratepayer funds will be used for this project. Whale Song is being funded through sponsorship, philanthropy, fundraising, donations and professional support provided in kind.
Foundry & Delivery Lead Time
The order starts a serious delivery clock.
Once the foundry order is placed, the bronze whale sections are expected to take approximately 12 months before shipping. That lead time matters: foundations, earthworks, site shaping, lighting, wayfinding, storytelling, visitor infrastructure and installation planning all need to move in parallel so Kāpiti is ready when the whales arrive.
Production begins
Bronze whale sections move into fabrication, finishing and export preparation.
Works run in parallel
Foundations, supports, lighting, landscape and visitor infrastructure are prepared.
Assembly in New Zealand
The whales arrive in sections, are reassembled, seam-welded, finished and mounted.
How the whales will arrive
From foundry to Kāpiti.
The bronze whales are planned to be cast in sections and transported from the foundry to New Zealand in multiple shipping containers. Once here, the sections will be carefully reassembled, seam-welded, finished and mounted onto their engineered structural supports.
How the parts of Whale Song will be despatched from the foundry
Services required
What needs to be done around the sculpture.
Whale Song is a public destination project, not simply a sculpture placement. The surrounding works are essential to visitor experience, safety, storytelling and long-term success.
Earthworks
Site establishment, ground preparation, levels and construction access.
Site shaping
Landscape contours, viewing areas, public circulation and integration with the wetland setting.
Foundations
Geotechnical work, pile systems and reinforced foundation pads for each whale.
Spiral-wound support poles
Custom support poles and structural connections for the bronze whales.
Bronze handling
Container unloading, lifting, staging and protection of large whale sections.
Reassembly
Seam welding, finishing and final bronze surface treatment once the sections arrive.
Lighting
Architectural lighting, safety lighting and night-time presentation.
Wayfinding
Physical signs helping visitors discover Kāpiti businesses, attractions and services.
Storytelling
Interpretation, the Legend of the Seven Whales, Kāpiti history and environmental messaging.
Visitor infrastructure
Paths, gathering areas, seating, viewing points and accessibility.
Landscaping
Native planting and park/wetland integration around the sculpture.
Digital experience
Future app, AR, VR, AI whale storytelling and regional wayfinding layers.
Construction pathway
Funding complete → foundry order → 12 months production → site works → delivery → assembly → opening.
Funding Complete
Foundry Order
12 Months Production
Site Works
Delivery
Assembly
Opening
Our Support Network
Partnered and Supported By
Lead Partner
Proudly Supported By
Whale Song is a community-led project. We thank all our partners and supporters who are helping shape a legacy for future generations.