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."
He said the sculpture was where Mr Morgan wanted it but it could be placed in a better position in a far better area for all the public to enjoy.
Cr Kelvin Clout said there were many other trees around the Mount that were more significant and he questioned the message the council was sending to the artistic community and visitors.
The council will approach Mr Morgan to see if he wanted to put the sculpture by world-renown artist Phil Price in another location.
Opposing the siting on the corner were Leanne Brown, Rick Curach, Bill Grainger, Steve Morris, John Robson and Catherine Stewart.
Supporting Mr Morgan's application were Mayor Stuart Crosby and Councillors Kelvin Clout, Matt Cowley, Bev Edlin and Gail McIntosh.