Jandal fence returns to the Mount

The 'lost soles' of Tauranga are converging once again at the base of the Mauao walking tracks. Photo/Sonya Bateson

The controversial Mount Maunganui jandal fence has made a comeback, spotted with more than 25 miss-matched jandals hung in protest yesterday.

The collection of "lost soles" returned to the fence at the entrance of the Mauao walking tracks over the long weekend, despite a previous collection being removed earlier this month following complaints.

Tauranga City Council park ranger Mark Ray said at the time that he was asked to remove the jandals in early January after his manager informed him of a number of complaints from the public.

The man behind the previous jandal fence, who only wanted to be identified as Carl, would neither confirm nor deny whether he was responsible for the return of the jandals at the weekend.

However, he said its return may have been a protest to the last one being removed.

"It's something that needs to be there. It's just a bit of fun. I pick up jandals off the beach every morning so why throw them in a bin if you can hang them up and bring a smile to people's faces."

Carl, in his 60s, stayed at the popular camping ground in Mount Maunganui.

"It's probably the best place for them. It's close enough to be looked after and everyone can enjoy it when they go for a walk."

He said he would not mind if the jandals were taken down at the end of the summer but hoped they could stay until then.

"I hope people add to it and make it an attraction.

"It's worth it to go and stand beside it and see people's reactions. I've never had a negative comment."

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