Arts Council appalled at street contractors' "vandalism"

June 16th

The committee of the Motueka Arts Council were out in force at Tuesday's Community Board meeting to express their dismay and anger at the poor treatment of the artist-designed seating and other street artworks by the High Street roadwork contractors.

Spokeswoman Freda Gerslov said she was appalled at the treatment of the seats and other artworks near the Moorings cafe footpath area. Contractors have dumped stones, bricks and clay on and around the seats causing damage, and have not responded to requests to take more care. She said the Arts Council had hoped to remove the items before work had begun but had been ignored.

"We are concerned about the future of the streetscape," she said. "We are getting different messages from different people about where these artworks will be relocated, in what condition." They are also worried about who would store them where until new plans were finalised.

Freda said they had asked Steve Elkington, of TDC Engineering Services, for a meeting involving council engineers, Motueka ward councillors, NZTA and the contractors to resolve these issues and come up with an agreed plan. This will include the contractor paying for the repairs, even if they say they say they cannot afford to do so. A meeting has been penciled in for June 22nd, to be facilitated by the Community Board.

Tara Forde and others said they want to see serious planning for long-term streetscaping after the current remedial work and the Tudor Street intersection is sorted out.

Shirley Frater emphasised the Art Council's desire for the integrity of the street's "river theme" to be maintained, regardless of the shape of the roads and footpaths.

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