An aging wooden sculpture of a whale at the Picton Powerhouse Reserve on Wairau Road has been removed.
Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Manager Nicola Neilson said the wooden sculpture was rotten and had become a public safety hazard, so the difficult decision had been made to remove it.
“In its day, it was a striking installation, skilfully created using chainsaws by local carver Pita Rua. It is a shame to see the deterioration which has taken place over the years, but the only option was to remove it as it has become dangerous to the public.”
Mrs Neilson said she had been in contact with the carver to explain the situation and with mana whenua Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui to confirm the appropriate process and tikanga for removal.
Unveiled in September 2015, the piece was carved from the stump of a Douglas Fir tree and depicts a mother humpback and her calf diving.
The interpretation sign about the sculpture will also be removed but the carved penguins either side will remain in place for now.
The Picton Seaport Trust Board, made up of community and Council representatives, is formulating plans to revitalise the site which is located beside the Picton skate park and comprises a collection of historic buildings and sheds.
“The Trust has identified an opportunity to develop the space into a vibrant arts, environmental education, creativity, and connection hub and we will consider any future installations in this context. We will also be looking at other cultural markers around the region as part of a wider discussion with iwi,” Mrs Neilson said.
