Giant takahe to get some TLC


WEATHERED and ownerless, the iconic Te Anau takahe statue has been adopted by a newly formed group set on its restoration.

The 30-year-old statue was erected in recognition of the region’s contribution to takahe recovery efforts, but during the past few years it had grown lichen and was in need of a tidy up.

The recently formed Takahe Restoration Group aimed to do just that.

Group president Sue McGuire said work had begun on planning, weeding and sprucing up the statue and its nearby area.

“It’s a town icon, it’s been there a long time.”

The group had received funding and hired local contractors to do the work.

Its members wanted to take responsibility for the much loved giant blue bird; the statue was originally installed by four private businesses before being gifted to the town.

Three of the businesses no longer existed, so the statue had been left without an owner for some time.Nike shoesNike Air Force 1 07 Khaki Dark Green Medium Olive /Black-Starfish