Close-knit group has bright idea

Another H-bomb hits the streets of Whangarei. Photo / Mike Cunningham

A promotional group is sticking to its knitting when it comes to stitching up support for a Hundertwasser-themed arts centre at Whangarei's Town Basin.

The proposal depends on the outcome of a Whangarei District Council-held referendum in March but the Prosper Northland Trust isn't about to let the plan unravel in the meantime. Supporters have knitted a colourful outfit for a tree outside the trust's pop-up publicity shop, Hundertwasser HQ, in John St.

Since Monday, when the "knitted Christmas decoration" appeared near the shop, staff, neighbouring retailers and passers-by have enjoyed several yarns about it. The positive feedback has even included public displays of affection, from tree-huggers.

"It's true. We've actually seen people go up to the tree and hug it," Prosper Northland spokesman Barry Trass said.

It's not the first H-bombing of public property. Recently six bollards in the Town Basin carpark received an unauthorised Hundertwasser-themed makeover.

Two days later, Whangarei District Council staff asked the culprits - Glenda Ferguson and Heather Carthew from The Bach gallery - to cover the colourful artwork with bottle green, but not before the #hflash style street art-come-activism went ballistic on social media.

Mr Trass describes the latest statement as "a bit of fun" and an example of the street decorations retailers are putting up to bring some festive colour and life to the city centre. Yesterday council staff were reluctant to respond to knit-picking about why the tree should be allowed to retain its Hundertwasser look when the bollards had to be repainted.