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Michael Carroll Memorial

SPECTACULAR VIEWS FRAMED ON THE DISTRICT'S COASTLINE

Artist: Michael Smither

Centennial Dr, New Plymouth.

Overlooking the Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park and the Tasman Sea is this unique wood and flax memorial to a much-loved Monsignor.

Monsignor Michael Carroll was at St Joseph's Church in the city for 13 years, before dying in 1984. The Taranaki West Rotary Club commissioned Taranaki artist Michael Smither to erect a memorial to the Monsignor. Mr Smither carved 11 poles, and placed them on an existing hillock along with several flax plants.

Ten of the poles were carved to resemble mature flax, and placed in a large circle with each of the five pairs bracketing a view from the memorial – although not all of the poles remain on the site today. The central pole has many images carved into it: at its highest point is a Celtic cross, depicting Monsignor Carroll's heritage, with a portrait of the Monsignor below it.

The Michael Carroll Memorial was erected in November 1991.