Rakaia’s iconic salmon sculpture is set to be transported to Christchurch for a $340,000 refurbishment.
That is if district councillors approve a project recommended by staff.
At their meeting this Wednesday, they will make a decision.
It is proposed the sculpture’s original creator, Phil Price Sculptures Ltd, under take the work in its Christchurch studio.
Open spaces managers say in their staff report to go before district councillors the 34-year-old salmon is ageing. Its deteriorated fibreglass body has faded paint and algae growth.
‘‘Cracking and crazing are visible on various areas. In some areas, the underlying yellow polyurethane foam is also visible,’’ they said.
‘‘There is a risk that this is exposing the inner core of the sculpture to moisture intrusion, which could ultimately necessitate more extensive repairs and affect its long term structural integrity.
‘‘By taking it offsite into a controlled environment, the tenderer is confident they can restore the sculpture to its original glory.
‘‘This is probably the last time Phil Price will be able to assist so is motivated to complete the job to a high standard.’’
Phil Price Sculptures is the only tenderer, its submitted price $215,000 plus GST.
It would cost an additional $82,000 plus GST for craning, transportation, sandblasting, cutting and welding of the support pole.
The total of $297,000 plus GST totals $341,550.
The money would come from the district council’s Reserves Contribution Reserve.
The 12m-high statue was a Rakaia Lions initiative in 1991, costing $44,893. Its journey to Rakaia gained considerable publicity at the time, detouring through Cathedral Square for a blessing by the Christchurch Wizard.
The sculpture has been removed once before – in 2006 for painting in a Rakaia warehouse.
While staff have recommended refurbishment, district councillors also have two other options to choose from – allowing the sculpture to continue to deteriorate, or under taking repairs and repainting on site.
The latter would be a ‘‘temporary fix’’ with lower quality paintwork, costing $160,000. And no supplier willing to under take the work on site had been identified.
