Art patrons in Christchurch are launching a campaign to buy the sculpture of a bronze bull so it can permanently belong to the city.
The 1.8 tonne sculpture, named Chapman's Homer, became a symbol of the city's strength during its post-quake recovery phase last year.
It was designed by sculptor Michael Parekowhai and depicts a large bull standing on top of a piano.
It was brought to Christchurch following the quakes as a temporary gift to the city.
The Christchurch Art Gallery Trust is launching a public campaign today to bring back the bull permanently.
It aims to raise $200,000 in the next six weeks.