New beach access sign dispute

Controversy over a Hokitika beach sign continues, with a new dispute over a proposed replacement.
An ‘arty’ beach sign at the Revell Street entrance to Weld Lane was removed last year after a hue and cry from the public.
The sign project was instigated by Enterprise Hokitika and taken on by the Westland District Council. After the first attempt, a steering committee was set up to explore alternatives, come up with some plans and put them out for public opinion.
Steering committee member Max Dowell said the council had completed the first beach sign project without public consultation. He believed it cost ratepayers $7000 to erect and $4000 to remove.
Mr Dowell was tasked with drawing up alternative beach sign options and displaying them for public feedback.
He designed a sign on two selected rocks — one on each side of Weld Lane. One rock would carry the word ‘Beach’ and the other the word ‘Access’.
“It was simple, permanent and we were prepared to do the job free of charge to the ratepayer,” he said.
However, he threw in the towel when his sign drawings were altered by the council.
The altered plans came back looking along similar lines to the structure that had been dismantled,.
Council engineer Simon Eyre said the issue was complicated and he was unable to confirm immediately the exact amount council had spent on the original sign.