Pianos keeping shoppers in tune with surprises in the city

It's not unusual to encounter buskers as you walk Rotorua's streets but this month those buskers could be anyone who finds a piano in the "wild".
There are four pianos across the city centre in what has been dubbed Pianos in the Wild, giving people the chance to tinkle the ivories or listen to others playing.
The project has been inspired by the art installation "Play Me, I'm Yours" which has travelled the world since its inception by artist Luke Jarram in 2008.
In Rotorua's version, four pianos have been brought in by Pheasant Plucker owner Ivan Purvis and the Rotorua District Council following approval to set up a small scale reproduction.
Samantha Leef and Paul Wiki sat down at the piano on the corner of Arawa and Tutanekai Sts.
"Our friends have been telling us about it," Mr Wiki said.
"We've seen a tourist play and she was playing all kinds of classical stuff.
"We thought we'd have a play around and enjoy our day in town. It's different and fun.
"I think they need more of them around."
Mr Wiki said he'd not played piano before but Miss Leef's prior experience was evident as she settled behind the keys.
"I've played piano a few times before but I'm not very good. This is the first time I've played in about two years.
"I was wondering what a piano was doing here. Now I think we'll come back in to play some more. We could spend a whole afternoon playing."
The pianos will be around for another five weeks and are located at Jean Batten Square next to the city library, in the City Focus, Eat Streat and on the corner of Tutanekai and Arawa Sts.
Mr Purvis said he was glad to hear people were getting enjoyment from the pianos.
"I want people to have the simple enjoyment of having something unusual and whimsical in the city," he said.
"I think city streets can be quite serious places a lot of the time.
"I'd like to get a smile from it and it's working.
We've had lots of amazing comments already.
"The project is about taking ownership of public places and I think the piano has helped people to feel like [the space] is theirs."
He said he hoped the pianos would be in place for another five weeks but it was dependent on the weather as the pianos were in the elements all day and night.
 * You can upload photos or write about your piano experience at www.pianosinthewild.co.nz.