Rotorua s controversial Hemo sculpture will cost about $5200 a year
26 Feb, 2021 03:31 AM
5 minutes to read
The upkeep of Rotorua s controversial Hemo Gorge sculpture will cost ratepayers about $5200 every year.
New details have emerged from behind-the-scenes of the sculpture s installation after a Local Democracy Reporting official information request for communications between the council, Kilwell Fibretube, Waka Kotahi NZTA and road engineers regarding the sculpture.
The emails also revealed Rotorua Lakes Council was cautious to reveal a helicopter would be needed to transport the sculpture for fear of a negative public reaction.
As a result of the investigation, Local Democracy Reporting can also reveal the sculpture will cost about $1000 to wash every year and about $30,000 to repaint every seven years with specialised UV protective paint.