Hunua Falls will keep its popular Natural Masterpiece frame.
By popular request, from tourists and visitors, the frame at Hunua Falls, one of 16 installed by the Auckland Regional Council in regional parks nine years ago, is staying.
One other, in the Waitakere Ranges, will also remain while the rest will be
removed.
Westpac withdrew sponsorship five years ago and the council says there are no longer funds available to restore the present ones or purchase new ones. The frames, made of aluminium, are badly corroded at Wenderholm and Long Bay.
The project proved controversial from the outset, with the frame at Muriwai being removed shortly after installation due to community opposition.
The Hunua frame, however, is highly popular and worn smooth at the base due to the number of people climbing and leaning on it to ``put themselves in the picture''.
``This particular frame has become an attraction in itself and would certainly result in negative comment if it was taken away,'' says the council's parks' programme manager, Andrew White. - by Maurice Smyth
