Pine Man to be restored
Released: Tuesday 13 July 2021
The iconic Pine Man will be removed on Wednesday 14 July so that he can be restored.
The removal, restoration and reinstation is a large logistical operation involving multiple contractors.
Assets Group Manager Ted Anderson said he will removed early on Wednesday morning under traffic management.
“The team has coordinated several contractors to complete the rigging, crane and truck (removal and transportation), engineering (to unbolt him from his plinth), housing (safe place to do the restoration) and the restoration itself,” explained Mr Anderson.
“We’re very pleased that the original artist Peter Dooley is doing the restoration,” he continued.
The team expect the Pine Man to take around two months to restore. Damage from the elements includes several holes and cracks that need restoring and filling.
Commissioned by the Rotary Club of Tokoroa, the Pine Man (sometimes referred to as the Chainsaw Man) was originally carved by Peter Dooley and installed in 2004. He has stood pride of place in Leith Place for 17 years. Since the Leith Place upgrade project, he stands overlooking the newly developed Talking Pole Forest.
Council staff are currently working through a review of its Talking Pole Policy to capture maintenance, development of new poles, removal of older poles and end of life options as poles reach the end of their natural life.
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