Te Hiku Community Board supports mosaic preservation plan

Te Hiku Community Board has confirmed its support of a widely consulted plan to revitalise Kaitāia town square, as well as an option to remove and preserve mosaic tiles that form a popular artwork at the site.

The revamp to Kaitāia town square will be the final milestone in the wider Te Hiku Revitalisation Project. This community-led project is funded by Kānoa – the government’s Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit – and has been supported by the council and Te Hiku Community Board.

The Kaitāia town square revitalisation project is supported by Te Hiku Project Working Group, Far North Holdings, and the Kaitāia Business Association.

The town square is located in Kaitāia’s central business district and is owned by the council’s commercial arm, Far North Holdings Limited. The redevelopment plan does not include preservation of two mosaic tile walls at the town square entrance and the plan would not be feasible if the walls were retained.

However, at its June meeting, the community board heard a deputation asking that the artworks be left in place. This was supported by a petition signed by 750 people. The petition was not presented to the board.

In recognition of the community's attachment to the artworks, the board has agreed on a plan to remove and preserve the mosaic tiles for use in the future.

To ensure the preservation of the artwork's cultural and historical significance, the tiles will be carefully removed by Kaitāia contractor, Stonecraft Construction Ltd. After removal, the tiles will be stored in a safe location until they can be reinstated and utilised in the town square on newly constructed seats and around the stage in the town square to preserve the character of the space. This will retain the artwork and allow the mosaics to be celebrated and enjoyed for another 30 years or more.