14 January 2021
Media: Stuff
Topic: Te Ahi Tupua sculpture
Enquiry
The Taxpayers' Union have put out another statement about the Hemo Gorge sculpture (copied and pasted below).
Wanted to ask if I could put some questions to Stewart/someone?
Does council have an engineering report on the sculpture?
If so, would council release it?
Does this report mention that "visible foundation-misalignment and lean" the Union mentions?
Bit of a push but any chance of something today?
NZ TAXPAYER'S UNION MEDIA RELEASE
Council must release engineering safety report on Hemo Gorge monument lean
14 JANUARY 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Taxpayers' Union is calling on Rotorua Lakes District Council to urgently release the engineering report on the public safety and structural integrity of the visible foundation-misalignment and lean of the City's Hemo Gorge monument to government waste.
Responding to the public reassurances of safety reported in today's media by the Council's arts and culture manager, Jordan Williams, the Union's Rotorua Monument Spokesman, said:
We welcome this assurance but given the time it has taken, and the concern expressed by locals, the report needs to be released publicly and without delay.
The monument's misalignment with its foundation means the metal is noticeably contorted. We can only assume these engineerings reports will further add to the cost - already over 50% of budget - which ratepayers and taxpayers will be forking out.
Response
From Arts and Culture Manager Stewart Brown:
Does council have an engineering report on the sculpture?
Yes
If so, would council release it?
See report [HERE]
Does this report mention that "visible foundation-misalignment and lean" the Union mentions?
The report produced by Gurit concludes that Te Ahi Tupua exceeds the design loads by 620%.
There is no foundation misalignment or lean. The construction and installation of Te Ahi Tupua have been completed as per structural specifications provided by technical experts.
During the next few days the final design elements will be added. This includes decorative cover at the base and lighting. Security fencing will be in place while that work is going on.