Reon Suddaby Dannevirke's proposed Viking statue has had its sword changed to point to the ground to make it look "less fearsome", and may also have a new home to go with its new look.
Dannevirke Promotions and Development Society president Malcolm Peffers, who has been a driving force behind the
project, said concerns by some local residents over the Viking's "violent image" had led to a change of design.
A suitable site for the Viking had been found on the corner of Stairs and Rawhiti streets over the railway lines at the southern end of town.
The land is currently vacant railway land, whose title has been transferred to the Tararua District Council. Transit New Zealand had also approved use of the site.
Mr Peffers had spoken to members of the council, and said the next step was making an application for resource consent, which he expected to be lodged within the next few days.
However he was unsure how long the process would take after that, as the council would need to call for submissions on the application.
Mr Peffers said a metre-high scale model of the Viking had been made up by sculptor Denis Hall at the end of October and had been on display in the town since November.
It had been taken away over the holiday period, but was expected to be put back on display again soon.
