Distinctly Devonport. Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand

 

DEVONPORT, AUCKLAND, NZ
by Goina Thedinga

Westhaven Marina
Just across from Devonport is Auckland city and also Westhaven marina. We visited Westhaven the other day and came across this lovely sculpture in memory of Mr. Lawrence Nathan and wanted to find out more and contacted Westhaven Marina and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS).

 

Sculpture in memory of Lawrence D. Nathan at Westhaven Marina, Auckland

Lawrence D. Nathan (1919-1987)

This small sculpture was commissioned in memory of Lawrence Nathan by his family. He was a successful businessman and civic leader in Auckland; who died in 1987.He was Chairman of L.D Nathan & Co, the oldest New Zealand Company (established1840) and at one time one of the largest. (Hence the captain’s hat under his arm – “Captain” of industry) HOWEVER it was his philanthropy that he enjoyed most and his love of the city, sailing and family that brought him satisfaction and was his reason for being. He was the longest serving member of the Auckland Harbour Board and as such one of the primary movers in the harbour board establishing the Westhaven Marina (hence the site). Also he had a deep affection for sailing (hence the reason why the statue is outside the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron ).

He owned three classic yachts. Kotere, Iorangi and lastly his gem Kahurangi (A30) which he owned for over thirty years and eventually sailed around the world. She was one of Auckland’s most successful and beautiful racing yachts over the 30 years and had many thousands of crew young and old who sailed and loved her (hence the model boat with A30 on the sail)

Lastly the family side explains the Bear. He had a bit of a thing for teddy bears and they wanted to leave a little something whimsical but with meaning for the future to mark his having passed through.

Source: Mr David Nathan.

 


 

 

 

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Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand
email: info@devonport.net.nz

 

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