Rotorua Hemo sculpture: installation in sight

A concept drawing for Te Ahi Tupua. Photo / Supplied

It's more than three years behind schedule, more than $200,000 over budget, but now installation is in sight for the Hemo gorge sculpture.

The 12m high 3D printed sculpture - named Te Ahi Tupua - was originally due to be installed in July 2017.

In March last year, council documents revealed the cost of installing and creating the sculpture had risen to $743,029, an estimated $204,361 overspend.

A council statement on Wednesday afternoon said it would be working with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Kilwell Fibretube and Te Puia to "map out the complex operation for installation".

"The teams are now relying on Mother Nature to provide ideal weather conditions to get the sculpture into place," the statement said.

The transfer was planned for the next fortnight, with the earliest day for transportation this Saturday, September 12.

"The helicopter operation is strictly weather dependent so while preparation is under way for the earliest opportunity, changes to the forecast could mean transporting Te Ahi Tupua on another day."

That meant it would not be clear which day the sculpture would be moved until the morning of the operation.

The flight would take the sculpture in two separate trips, and would avoid all residential areas. It would begin from 6.30am.

Finishing touches would be done on the sculpture once it was in place - work that was also weather-dependent.

That work was expected to take "about two weeks" and the roundabout and shared paths underneath would be open during that time.

Kilwell Fibretube chief executive Craig Wilson told the Rotorua Daily Post he understood the installation of the structure was possible this weekend but would be dependent on three main factors: helicopter availability, traffic approvals and management, and the weather.

"All three things that continually change."

Hemo Sculpture still under construction at Kilwell on Te Ngae Road. Photo / File

The installation of the sculpture was due to take place last Sunday but those plans were abandoned as it was, in part, "a bit windy", Wilson said.

"There's still a bit on the go. We're still trying to get the ducks in a row."

Beck Helicopters managing director Alan Beck said the company would no longer be transporting the sculpture as it was "too heavy".

Council documents released to the Rotorua Daily Post stated that in November 2018, the sculpture was estimated to weigh about 3450 kilograms and would be transported in two parts.

Rotorua Lakes Council operations manager Jocelyn Mikaere said the transportation method had not changed, just the company undertaking it.

"Kahu NZ has been engaged to carry out the transport part of the install. The change was to ensure the helicopter could comfortably manage the size and shape of the sculpture.

"Once the sculpture gets to the carpark at Te Puia, the helicopter will set it down and a crane will lower it into place within the roundabout."

Asked what the impact would be to the cost of the transfer and installation of the sculpture, Mikaere said Kilwell Fibretube was "responsible for the installation of Te Ahi Tupua including costs".

Wilson confirmed the costs were incorporated as part of a contract with the council.

Waka Kotahi NZTA had been approached for clarification on whether the camber of the roundabout - the subject of some controversy - was, or would be, under review.

The sculpture has attracted impassioned public debate, with numerous letters to the editor regarding the costs and delays of the project.

Designed by an artist from the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute/Te Puia, its construction was delayed after it was discovered only a limited number of companies in the world were capable of constructing the complex design.

It was originally intended to be made of stainless steel, but this was found to be problematic.

In late 2017 Kilwell Fibretube approached the council to 3D print the sculpture, with the company estimating it would use more than 63km of PLA filament for the task.

Kahu NZ has been approached for comment.

Road closures

The following temporary traffic management and closures will be in place on the day of the helicopter operation from 6am to 10.30am.

• Pedestrian/bike entry to the paths under Hemo roundabout will be closed and users will have to find alternative routes

• Entry to Te Puia carpark will be closed to pedestrians, bikes and vehicles; the main entrance to Te Puia will remain open

• Stop/Go traffic management will be in place at each arm of the SH5/SH30 Hemo Rd roundabout. Motorists may experience delays of up to 10 minutes during this time

• Stop/Go traffic management will also be in place for short periods of time at:
- Vaughan Rd (behind Puketawhero Park)
- SH30/Te Ngae Rd (east of Eastgate Business Park and outside the Rotorua Airport)
- Tarawera Rd (near intersection with Okareka Loop Rd), where the helicopter will cross over public roads

Motorists may experience delays of up to five minutes at these locations.

Source: Rotorua Lakes Council