29 December 2020
Media: Stuff
Topic: Sign protesting Hemo sculpture
Enquiry
Reporter sought comment from Mayor Steve Chadwick.
He also sought RLC comment regarding Reynold's claim that all up the sculpture plus installation may result in a final cost around the $1.5m mark
Reporter also asked whether as far as council is aware, the sign is allowed to be in place?
Response
Mayor Steve Chadwick provided the following:
[It] has been a long wait and it's good to see it now in place. It has been an incredibly complex - and also groundbreaking - project that has required a lot of innovation.
There have been challenges for both its construction and installation, but that's because it's something that has never been done before.
I think it will provide a great entry piece that tells an important Te Arawa and Rotorua story. I look forward to it becoming part of the local landscape and welcoming our manuhiri.
People will always have different views about artworks. Some don't like it but I've also had many telling me they do like it and value public artwork.
Council contribution remains unchanged - $388,000 (others have also contributed including NZTA, Rotorua Trust, Red Stag Timber, Rotorua Community Arts Trust and others). Kilwell is responsible for installation, including installation costs.
From Acting CE Craig Tiriana:
"The sculpture, Te Ahi Tupua, was a partnership project, the primary partners being Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Council, the designers Te Puia and local firm Kilwell which constructed it.
Rotorua Lakes Council's total contribution remains $388,000. Other funders and contributors include: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency ($200,000), Kilwell Fibretube, New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute |Te Puia, Rotorua Trust ($25,000), Rotorua Community Arts Trust ($15,000), Lion Foundation ($5000), Infinity Foundation ($5000), Red Stag Timber ($25,000), Rotorua Public Arts Trust (fundraising).
It was a complex project, something never done before, and required a high level of innovation by Kilwell to overcome challenges along the way, so it took longer than originally estimated. Installation was also a challenge but the sculpture was successfully put into place and Kilwell is undertaking final installation works, which are nearing completion.
The sign has been reported to the council and we are therefore obliged to investigate. It is on private property and does not breach council bylaws but staff will need to consider whether there are any breaches to the District Plan and what, if any, action should be taken. This will happen as the appropriate staff are available."
Regarding any extra costs related to final installation, you will need to contact Kilwell which is responsible for this.
If you're interested in understanding the design and background to the project, you'll find all that HERE