28 June, 2012

Iconic tui sculpture to go

The iconic tui sculpture at Paraparaumu Beach on the Kāpiti Coast is to go. Council voted today to remove the 4.3 metre metal sculpture, the work of local artist, Brendan Nolan who is serving five years for sexually abusing two young women.

The issue was a late inclusion at this morning’s scheduled Council meeting after news of Nolan’s sentencing on Monday and swift action by Paekākāriki School to remove ornamental gates, also created by the artist.

Mayor Jenny Rowan told Councillors that, as a White Ribbon Council and because of her strong personal abhorrence of sexual abuse, particularly of children, she could make only one decision.

“My preference is that the tui is removed. I wouldn’t be honouring the last 40 years of my life and my efforts to raise awareness about these issues if I was to take any other position.”

Councillor Lester, a national White Ribbon Ambassador, said he had spent five hours yesterday canvassing the views of members of the Paraparumu Beach Community.

“Opinion was pretty much evenly divided but some people expressed very strong views in favour of taking the tui down, indicating they would never be able to view the artwork in the same way again.”

At the end of a wide-ranging discussion, Council voted seven to three to remove the tui and Council staff will be asked to take it down as soon as practicable. Those who voted against the decision were Councillors Mike Cardiff, Diane Ammundsen and Penny Gaylor.

ENDS

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