ONE big yellow duck has become the subject of a tug-of-war in Central Hawkes
Bay.
Waipawa residents who want to see Pawa, a 400 kilogram orange-beaked concrete
duck, back on the main street have petitioned Central Hawkes Bay Council with
369 signatures.
Others don’t want to see the duck’s smiling face ever again. Mayor
Tim Gilbertson said a resident joked yesterday that they would kill him if the
duck came back.
Mr Gilbertson said the town’s unofficial mascot, which has been in storage,
should go somewhere but not on the main street.
The council prefers a riverside site, where the annual duck races are held.
“It’s an embarrassment,” he said.
“I just think it is not that suitable – Waipawa needs something
but I don’t think it needs a duck.”
The town’s main strip had been revamped and modernized, and with plans
to light up the town clock at night, the council is keen to see history featured
rather than a duck.
The duck, created by local artist Jan Gosling nine years ago to be driven around
on a ute during the annual spring festival, has been in storage for a year.
Most people spoken to by the Dominion Post yesterday had no problem with its
return. Most of those opposed refused to be named.
PJ Povey thought the duck was a “bit of an icon”.
Waipawa Pharmacy owner Noeline Alcock said the duck put Waipawa on the map
and was just a bit of fun.
“Some people don’t like it because it is not the most elegant or
well crafted thing but its just fun – the town and the area benefit because
they know the duck.”
One woman, Jacky, said the main street looked great now and the duck would
add nothing.
Another resident was more scathing, saying the duck was an eyesore, that should
be in a children’s park.
Waipawa chamber of Commerce president Stephen Jenkinson said the council was
taking an “Aunty Helen knows best” approach. Its attitude was, “We
will put it up whether they want it or not.”
The duck could go up on top of a private business if no agreement with the
council is reached.
The council will confirm its position in a fortnight.
