The olive leaf is a symbol of reconciliation, but a planned building inspired by its shape has divided opinion in the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown.
Queenstown architect Fred van Brandenburg first mooted the Olive Leaf – a multi-use parish centre situated beside the heritage-listed St Patrick’s Catholic Church – in 2015.
It has the blessing of the Catholic Diocese of Dunedin, which owns the land, but its modern design has provoked opposition from some Arrowtown residents. Continue reading