Officials toe the line as fence of jandals removed

LOST SOLES: A fence of jandals at Mauao has been taken down after complaints by the public. PHOTO/JEANNIE OVERALL

A fence of jandals lining the entrance to Mauao's walking tracks has been removed after complaints from the public.

Rows of odd, worn jandals were attached with cable ties to the fence at the top of the ramp leading to the start of the uphill track and base track sometime between Christmas and the beginning of January, Tauranga City Council park ranger Mark Ray said.

I think it's cool and something special for the Mount. It was sad to see it gone.

Jeannie Overall

Mr Ray was asked to remove the jandals last week after his manager informed him of a number of complaints from the public.

"Some people see it as rubbish rather than a jandal fence," Mr Ray said.

After cutting the jandals down, Mr Ray had two bags "chocka-block" full.

Mr Ray suspected one person put most of the jandals up as they were tied to the fence with the same red cable ties.

He said the jandal fence had also been erected last year and he had been asked to take it down.

Mount Maunganui resident Jeannie Overall was disappointed the fence had been taken down, seeing it as classic kiwiana.

"We invented the jandal, so it's iconic.

"I sent a photo of the fence to my family overseas, they thought it was just brilliant."

Mrs Overall said she was a big fan of Kiwi symbols such as the jandal and the Buzzy Bee.

She thought the jandal fence was a great talking point, especially for the cruise ship visitors taking in the sights.

"I think it's cool and something special for the Mount. It was sad to see it gone.

"People used to stop and comment on it, it's just the Mountie thing."

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