The free offer of a 10m-high kinetic sculpture on the corner of Marine Parade and Pacific Ave has been turned down by the Tauranga City Council.
Controversial economist and investment manager Gareth Morgan offered to fund and own the wind-driven sculpture Rimurimu on the corner outside his apartment complex.
But in a 6-5 vote today, the council declined the offer believed to be worth several hundred thousand dollars, arguing it was not the best location and would have meant the loss of two pohutukawa trees in order to allow the sculpture to move freely.
Cr Bill Grainger said that although the sculpture was stunning in the way it moved, trees also moved and they were quite significant trees.
"To me a tree is a piece of artwork pleasing to the eye."