New attraction for Tasman cycle trail?

October 14th, 2012
[photos by Shirley Frater]

Could this be the start of a new "organic" tourist feature of Motueka - driftwood sculptures beside the Kumaras Walkway?

Three weeks ago about a dozen mainly simple sculptures were built using driftwood, shells, stones and flax as part of the 'Welcome to the Godwits' celebrations mounted by the Motueka Arts Council along the estuary foreshore. (See our story and photos here.)

Since then, while some of those less-engineered constructions have been affected by strong winds and shifting sands, one in particular has mysteriously been enhanced and strengthened, now making a new residence at the sandspit, complete with name "Welcome to Sunshine Villa".

It is now topped with a flax-woven flag, and made closer to weatherproof by a variety of small bits of wood and shells thatched into it.

"It must have been a lot of work and time for some people," says Shirley Frater, who organised the original event. "The builders sure had fun great for the holidays."

As long as vandals do not take to the structure (and none of them will be reading this article, of course), this work may inspire others to build "permanent" driftwood masterpieces in the area.

The entrance

Intricate waterproofing for the back wall

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