A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.
Vandal arrives at Crook Cook, climbs statue, paints on underwear and paints face. Time involved, half an hour; cost, $10 for spraypaint.
GDC informed of problem, department holds a health and safety meeting to outline all hazards and actions to nullify them. Time involved, one hour for meeting and to
draw up a safety plan.
Staff arrive at work site, place safety cones and barriers at a 10 metre distance, road is closed while they evaluate the situation. They realise statue is a substantial height and they need to erect scaffolding to safely remove the paint.
Scaffolding company called and staff told it will be three hours before the job can be done. Staff retire for lunch.
Three hours later, scaffolding erected, a staff member in safety harness and safely hooked to the scaffolding removes the paint.He returns to the ground safe and in full health.
