27 March 2026, Issue 1303
Stick with art If your dog refuses to leave the park without a stick, Tauranga’s latest art attraction is worth a visit. A dog stick library has popped up at Tauranga Historic Village, giving four-legged visitors the chance to borrow a stick, play, and return it for the next pup.
The playful installation is part of a pop-up exhibition by Tauranga artist Nick Eggleston (pictured), inside the Fire Station building near The Incubator Creative Hub. “It’s just a board with pegs and a load of sticks hanging on it so people can come along with
their dog, play, and then put the stick back,” Eggleston said. Alongside the stick library, Eggleston has created a new series of paintings featuring dogs proudly carrying their favourite prize – sticks – in his signature style.
Visitors can also see the artist at work on a pottery wheel, crafting character-filled bottle sculptures inspired by pirates. The free exhibition runs until April 4 – and yes, dogs are welcome to come along. Read more on page 7. Photo / Kelly O’Hara