It's official - Napier's golden girl is turning bronze.
The majority of councillors agreed to a recommendation that the Spirit of Napier statue be stripped back to its initial polished bronze at yesterday's Environmental Management Committee meeting.
The female figurine was sculpted by Frank Szirmay and stands atop the Gilray Fountain on
Marine Parade.
Over the years the bronze statue has been painted gold, but due to the harsh sea environment the paint flakes off. Previous maintenance regimes at a cost of $2500 have involved removing the flaked paint before repainting the statue gold.
In his recommendation, reserves asset manager Tony Billing said the statue was currently "tawdry in appearance and in need of some attention".
He suggested the remaining gold paint be removed and the statue remain bronze.
Councillor Dave Pipe said it was a "good practical solution" to the situation.
"Something that's cast in bronze should be bronze anyway," he said.
While Councillor Faye White admitted she liked the city's "golden girl", she said it was the right decision to make.
Councillor Harry Lawson solely opposed the recommendation, saying he preferred the gold appearance.
"All that glitters is not bronze," he remarked.
The statue will not be covered in a protective lacquer, as suggested by Mr Szirmay's daughter Marte, but she was pleased with the decision.
"That's good, Dad would be pleased," she said.
The decision will be ratified at the December council meeting.
