Memorial service for Humpty Dumpty creator - Peter McTainsh served in the Royal New Zealand Navy in WW2 and later he moved from Christchurch to Tauranga to live.

Peter McTainsh, the original creator of Tauranga's Humpty Dumpty. Photo: Supplied.

A special memorial service is being held this afternoon for a Tauranga man who has created lifetimes of memories for thousands of Tauranga people.

For those who grew up in Tauranga playing at Memorial Park, over the last half-century, the Humpty Dumpty  statue has been a much loved icon and feature of countless families’ visits.

The original Humpty Dumpty at Memorial Park was constructed by Tauranga concrete enthusiast Peter McTainsh who passed on December 29 2022 at the age of 98.

Sadly, this was destroyed by vandals, as was his statue of a Greek boy at the Rose Garden's on Cliff Road.

Humpty Dumpty at Memorial Park in 1970 with the Daane children. Photo: AM Daane.

Humpty has appeared in black and white and colour in many family photos over the years, sitting on a wall joining in with their outings to the park.

Shirley Arabin wrote about Humpty Dumpty in 2019 when Peter was 96 years old:

"The first Humpty Dumpty was created by Peter McTainsh for the opening of the children's playground in December 1959. The first Humpty was set on a high wall but within was smashed by vandals some years later. The current one sits on a lower wall. Peter McTainsh served in the Royal New Zealand Navy in WW2 and later he moved from Christchurch to Tauranga to live. Peter made the Humpty Dumpty from iron rods, and wire netting that was plastered with fine concrete then painted. He also designed and made garden ornaments some of which are still seen in Tauranga gardens."

 

Humpty has been replaced, and more recently shifted to a new location where last year he was given a makeover with new paint job and more modern urban street wear.

Peter also worked on the Memorial Park playground and helped to build the illuminated fountain. More of his work is preserved at Brain Watkins House Museum.

The Tauranga Historical Society is inviting members of the public to join them from 5pm – 6pm today, Saturday March 11 at the site of the present Humpty Dumpty in Memorial Park “to remember the life of this amazing man who gave so much to Tauranga”.

Humpty Dumpty received a recent makeover. Photo: John Borren.