Riverton’s Paua Shell Finds New Home Amid Community Dispute
- Southland District Council relocates Riverton’s iconic pāua shell after public consultation.
- Koi Koi Park chosen as new site, though decision faces community backlash.
- Restoration complete but installation delayed by site preparations.
Riverton’s renowned pāua shell, a celebrated town icon, is set to have a new home in Koi Koi Park next to the local skatepark, following a detailed public consultation process facilitated by the Southland District Council. The decision, however, has not been without controversy. Michael Weusten, chair of the Aparima Community Board, has faced criticism following his television appearance discussing the relocation, with some locals voicing their discontent.
Despite the mixed feedback, the council and community board are moving forward with the plans to install the refurbished shell at the selected site. The shell, which has been repainted and restored, currently remains in a factory in Invercargill.
Before it can be erected, the site at Koi Koi Park requires additional preparation, including the installation of a concrete plinth. The process is expected to take another two to three months.
The journey of the pāua shell has been fraught with challenges. At one point, the sculpture was nearly sold off by its previous owners, Fiordland Souvenirs. The community board intervened, securing the statue for the town with a payment of $30,000 last year.
During the consultation phase, 431 votes were cast, with 203 in favor of the Koi Koi Park location. Other suggested sites included the intersection of Napier St and Bath Rd, Palmerston St playground, Taramea Bay playground, and Pilots Reserve Lookout by the whale. The pāua shell is not only a local treasure but also a part of New Zealand’s cultural heritage, having been featured in the 1998 Town Icons stamp series alongside other landmarks like Paeroa’s L&P bottle and Ohakune’s carrot.