Letters: Fingers crossed Rotorua sculpture looks like the artist's impression

An artist's impression of the sculpture at the Hemo roundabout. Photo/file

WISH: A letter writer hopes all the money being spent on the Hemo roundabout sculpture will look as good as the artist's impression. PHOTO/FILE A_291116sculpture.JPG

I refer to Stephen Wainwright's letter "Art adds vibrancy to city" (Letters, December 7).

There are several meanings for vibrancy. Firstly - moving to and fro rapidly? Hardly,
as the sculpture will be in a stationery position, hopefully not stopping traffic on a busy roundabout.

Secondly – so as to produce sound, as a sting? Or is that ka-ching as we hear more ratepayers money wasted?

Thirdly – pulsating with vigour and energy? I suppose the annual energy cost in lighting such a huge sculpture could cause some pulsating hearts. Has this lights cost been factored into an ongoing council or New Zealand Transport Agency budget?

I'm curious how Stephen thinks spending $500,000 on a giant ornament, builds a prosperous community? If it is accurately reported in the Rotorua Daily Post article that Council were only contributing $150,000, NZTA $200,000 and Te Puia $50,000, leaving another $100,000 to be sought from various community and arts trusts, or private individuals who would like to contribute, then perhaps Stephen Wainwright may be willing to contribute or know of an art trust that could?

If council is only contributing $150,000 out of the $500,000, then it may not end up
looking like an "Olympic torch" symbolising ratepayers money going up in flames?

Rather it would be a grand and symbolic entrance to Te Puia whilst also being a statement
piece to motorists, introducing them to Rotorua from the southern gateway.

I sincerely hope the Hemo sculpture is exactly like the artist's impression, rather than the model that looks more like seaweed out of the cartoon Finding Nemo.

TRACEY MCLEOD
Lake Tarawera

Bells on bikes useless

In answer to Jim Adams' letter to the editor (Bring back bells on bikes, December 8).

I am a frequent rider of my bike which is equipped with bell and rear vision mirrors. I use them all the time but the bell is next to useless.

Walkers using ear buds to listen to whatever they listen to, never hear the bell ringing.

I am not complaining but life is not what it used to be in the old days, so I adapt and ride to the conditions as you should.

I am constantly cut off by cars, even though I am in high vis clothes, so I am ready for problems just as I would while driving my car.

For those who think bikes have no place in our modern world, I just sigh and feel sorry for them. I love the new bike-ways and have trouble not smiling while peddling.

ANNA GARRATT
Ngongotaha