Mountie the Surfer sculpture pictured in 2017. Photo / File
Mountie the Surfer sculpture pictured in 2017. Photo / File
Mount Maunganui has been gifted an early Christmas present this year.
The much-loved Mountie the Surfer bronze statue has been reinstated in the popular visitor destination.
Mountie will be prominently displayed in Mount Maunganui's central urban space, Te Papa o Ngā Manu Porotakataka, next to the Visitor Information Centre (satellite i-Site).
Finding Mountie's home in the park has been part of the placemaking collaboration between the Tauranga City Council, Tourism Bay of Plenty and Mount Mainstreet (Mount Maunganui Business Association).
Mountie the statue with Mount Maunganui mainstreet manager Leanne Brown in 2009. Photo / File
"We wanted to bring this fun, iconic statue back to the Mount and ask locals and manuhiri, our visitors, to share their photos alongside Mountie with the world.
"When you're next enjoying downtown Mount Maunganui, take a selfie and use the hashtag #bayofplentynz," Dunne said.
Mountie the surfer has been reinstated. Photo / File
Originally commissioned by Mount Mainstreet in 2005, Mountie has been in storage since the development of Te Papa o Ngā Manu Porotakataka began in 2018.
Mount Mainstreet gifted the statue to the council for the purpose of reinstalling Mountie in the park as per a resolution of the council.
The statue was created by sculptor Donald Paterson.
Dunne said Mountie would create vibrancy and encourage travelling New Zealanders to visit the park and the satellite i-Site.
"Mountie is an undeniable attraction and we're proud to be next to him in our satellite i-Site," she said.
"Our friendly and informative staff will connect Mount Maunganui's visitors with the region's tourism industry."
Former Tauranga City councillor Leanne Brown, who once used to the run the Mount Mainstreet business association, said news that the famous Mountie statue was finally back home where it belonged had "made her day".
Brown was one of those Mounties who led the charge during her time as Mount Maunganui/Papamoa ward councillor to achieve its return since the statue was removed.
The iconic Mountie the Surfer statute was "synonymous" with the Mount Maunganui beach, and a vital part of the Mount Maunganui's history and beach culture.
Brown said during her five years as Mount Mainstreet coordinator she watched thousands of locals and visitors give Mountie a pat, a hug, or even a kiss, and also take a selfie.
"Every photo was a happy photo and this became part of people's fun and joyful memories of their visit to the Mount beach ... We certainly needed to bring this tradition back to the Mount after the very challenging year we've all had.
"It's definitely made my day, and I'm sure many other locals and our visitors will also be happy to see Mountie back where he belongs."
Tauranga City Council community services manager Gareth Wallis said that the council is pleased to bring the iconic statue back to Mount Maunganui and the park.
"We're thrilled to have Mountie back and looking better than ever just in time for the busy summer season. The statue has been reinstated into the park for the public and visitors to enjoy," Wallis said.
The satellite i-Site will open with bean bags, umbrellas and table tennis on December 28 and operate daily from 9 am until February 14.
The satellite i-Site will provide impartial information to visitors, and make bookings on behalf of accommodation providers, attractions and activities.
