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Home / Bay of Plenty Times

Waka sculpture crash still puzzles engineers

By John Cousins
Bay of Plenty Times·
15 Oct, 2012 02:54 AM2 mins to read

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Engineers have been unable to pin down exactly why one of The Strand waterfront's waka sails sculptures crashed to the ground last month.

The 18-metre-high stainless steel sculpture sheered off its foundations in moderate winds on September 10, smashing through a fence and blocking the railway line.

Steve Webb, the Tauranga City Council's parks team manager, said the report on why the sculpture failed identified that it was a fabrication or design issue. "But it was not definite on exactly why it failed."

Mr Webb said it could have been poor-quality steel or the welding, but it was not because of excessive wind. More tests would be needed, including X-rays, to conclude whether the steel met quality specifications or if the welding was at fault.

The $200,000 sail was one of two erected in 2004. They were to have been joined by three others to represent the Southern Cross star cluster, but were never ordered.

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Mr Webb was unsure why the project was not completed or whether the the first two waka sails were still covered by a manufacturer's warranty. The council was looking at an insurance claim.

The remaining waka sail was taken down and put into storage after an inspection revealed signs of cracking around the base.

A report is being prepared for the council on options for the sculptures.

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