Heemskerck and Zeehaen, Margriet Windhausen

A $60,000 gift to New Zealand from the Dutch Community.

In 1642, Dutch navigator Abel Janszoon Tasman made the first recorded European sighting of New Zealand. To commemorate this historic event 350 years later, the Dutch community of New Zealand presented this sculpture of Tasman's ships, Heemskerck and Zeehaen, to the people of New Zealand. It was unveiled on March 17, 1992 by Her Majesty, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. (Original plaque)

Anniversary Present. This sculpture depicts The Heemskerck and The Zeehaen, the two ships that made up Abel Janszoon Tasman's great expedition of 1642-43. On 13 December 1642, Tasman became the first European to sight this land. The New Zealand Dutch community presented the sculpture to the people of New Zealand to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Tasman's historic sighting. Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands unveiled the work on 17 March 1992 during her visit to this country. The sculptures present site looks out to the landing place of thousands of Dutch immigrants who came to New Zealand by ship in the 1950's and 1960's. (Replacement plaque at Te Papa)

Photographs in this collection were taken between 1995 and 2004. Some works of art may have been moved, altered, or destroyed (such as the painting over of murals) since this archive was formally created in 2004.

Wellington City Libraries wishes to thank Maribeth S. Coleman for the donation of ‘Public Art and Publically Accessible Art’. We would also like to acknowledge The Dominion Post for allowing us to share their content.

Maribeth Coleman’s photographs and index remain under Copyright but are shared here on a Creative Commons basis. Artworks and supporting documents shown are also under Copyright, and where appropriate permission has been sought from the Copyright holder. The creative works depicted here often contain cultural references and significance. We ask that users respect the mana and dignity of the works, artists and communities represented, in addition to any applications of Copyright. For further information see the Collection Guideline.