Mr Kregar says he's found the reaction only "a little bit upsetting" and has been able to see the funny side. "Art is there to provoke the reaction," he tells TVNZ . "Usually for the one negative comment there's thousands of positive comments as well." The council commissioned the artwork as part of efforts to revitalise New Lynn, and some locals have reacted positively, describing it as "terrific". Mr Kregar says the finished sculpture will feature LED lighting and will look different by night. "Hopefully the opinion will change through time when the sculpture is installed and they'll embrace the work."