25 Sept 2025: recovered sculpture
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Disappearance and recovery of sculpture
Enquiry
I am writing a story on Susan Dinkelacker's sculpture, Geyser. If possible, could Rotorua Lakes Council please respond to the following:
- When did the Geyser sculpture get stolen/how long has it been missing from the Sulphur Lake Sculpture Trail?
- Was the theft and/or vandalism of the Geyser sculpture reported to police?
- When did Rotorua Lakes Council get possession of the Geyser sculpture?
- What are the Rotorua Lakes Council's next steps in regard to the Geyser sculpture?
- Does Rotorua Lakes Council have a message to the public about respecting and protecting public art?
Response
from Group Manager – Infrastructure and Assets, Stavros Michael:
When did the Geyser sculpture get stolen/how long has it been missing from the Sulphur Lake Sculpture Trail?
The Lady of the Geyser has been missing from the Government Gardens for a few weeks. It was initially thought that the artist, Sue Dinklelacker, had collected it, as she had been asked some time ago to take it as part of a garden refresh programme.
Was the theft and/or vandalism of the Geyser sculpture reported to police?
No.
When did Rotorua Lakes Council get possession of the Geyser sculpture?
Staff noticed the sculpture on social media and reached out to the person who posted about it on social media. The sculpture was returned yesterday and is now safely in storage until the artist can collect it.
What are the Rotorua Lakes Council's next steps in regard to the Geyser sculpture?
Answered above.
Does Rotorua Lakes Council have a message to the public about respecting and protecting public art?
Our city’s public art collection includes works owned by the council, loans from artists, community pieces on council land, and monuments. These artworks celebrate Te Arawa, our people, and our history, and are here for everyone to enjoy and respect. They are an important part of our community, so any damage or vandalism is extremely disappointing.
