Jokers blunt spinifex look with cones

Pranksters have added some bright orange decorations to the spinifex sculpture at the Papamoa entrance to the Tauranga Eastern Link.

The 8m spinifex, created from power poles, has had five road cones added to some of its spikes.

The sculpture's creator, Regan Gentry, said he was impressed someone had managed to get the cones in place. "It doesn't bother me. People should enjoy it - as long as nobody gets hurt."

NZ Transport Agency's acting Bay of Plenty highways manager Chris Young said while the Transport Agency did not encourage people to climb on to the spinifex due to safety reasons, it was great to see the sculpture getting attention on social media.

"For now we will be leaving the road cones on their new home, where they quite nicely highlight the art work.

"They will be removed at some stage as our contractors carry out routine maintenance work on the state highway network."