Initial proposal stuns council

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 18, 2 October 1984, Page 23

Initial proposal stuns

council

The idea for the 'Big Carrot' was first mooted by Peter Hammond in February 1982 at an Ohakune Borough Council meeting. Here is a report of that meeting.

Napier has Pania of the Reef, New York has the Statue of Liberty and Ohakune may have a 10metre tall giant carrot. That's the hope of the growers' association in the mountainside town. They feel their area, renowned for its.carrots — tours can be arranged through the local carrotcleaning factory — is in need of an outstanding identity. At Thursday night's meeting of the Ohakune Borough Council, Cr. P. Hammond forwarded the growers suggestion on their behalf. He passed a photograph around the council table which showed a mammoth lobster, big enough to drive a car underneath, which he said was erected in an Australian town to show its primary industry. Many councillors found it hard to keep straight faces as Cr. Hammond outlined the plans for a giant concrete or neon carrot to be planted in the centre of town. It would have the words 'Ohakune: Carrot Country' inscribed upon it. Cr. Hammond said although the suggestion could have the makings of a good joke, it was being made in all seriousness. He asked council for comment. After a brief period of stunned silence — "words fail me on this," Mayor

W.B. Taylor said — they made their comments. "I think the idea is a good one," Cr. B.H. Thompson said. "However, I can't quite imagine a 60ft carrot." "You've doubled it already," Cr. Hammond retorted. Cr. Thompson suggested a fountain or 'similar thing' may be preferable. Cr. Wiggins said undoubtedly the idea "would be a crowd stopper." Mr Taylor said the growers in the area were to be commended for the idea. He suggested they approach a graphic artist. Council supports 'in general' the growers' idea, he said. He hoped they would present plans of any suggested edifice, carrot or otherwise, to the council.