KidsCan, Droga5 turn Auckland sculpture into a poverty statement
Auckland’s landmark Boy Walking sculpture has been dressed in a KidsCan jacket and shoes as part of a national campaign highlighting child poverty in New Zealand.
The initiative, created by Droga5 ANZ in partnership with the children’s charity KidsCan, draws attention to the 157,000 Kiwi children living in material hardship.
The campaign, titled Boy Walking, transforms the well-known 5.6-metre-tall artwork in Potters Park into a powerful public statement about resilience and need. By dressing the figure for Spring, KidsCan aims to remind the public of the children who go without essential items such as warm clothing and proper footwear.
A symbol of resilience and hope
Julie Chapman, CEO and founder, KidsCan: “Boy Walking is a symbol of resilience and hope. By dressing him in KidsCan clothing, we want to remind New Zealanders that too many children are still missing out on the essentials most of us take for granted. A small monthly donation can make a huge difference – helping us reach more kids who need our support.”
Droga5 ANZ, part of Accenture Song, led the creative concept, turning the sculpture into a striking metaphor for the scale of the issue.
Damon Stapleton, chief creative officer, Droga5 ANZ: “Boy Walking has always captured public attention. Now, dressed in a KidsCan jacket and shoes, he’s walking on behalf of the thousands of children who face hardship daily. His size reflects the scale of the issue, making it impossible to ignore.”
Public art turned into a call for action
Created by New Zealand-born artist Ronnie van Hout, Boy Walking depicts a child in motion — a symbol of confidence and growth. The installation will remain on display in Potters Park until 19 October, supported by outdoor, PR, and social activity encouraging donations to KidsCan.
So far this year, KidsCan has distributed more than 38,000 pairs of shoes and 58,000 jackets to children nationwide, but demand continues to rise, with 58 schools currently on the waitlist for support. The charity thanked Ronnie van Hout and Auckland Council for making the initiative possible.
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