Town keeps tribute to Homer

Springfield in the South Island was given the doughnut by film studio Twentieth Century Fox. Photo / Simon Baker

Doughnut or do not? That is the question that has faced the tiny central South Island town of Springfield - and now it seems to have been answered resoundingly.

Many in the town were stunned last month when an arsonist attacked their giant pink doughnut - a gift from American film studio Twentieth Century Fox to celebrate the release of The Simpsons movie, because of its name was the same as the famous cartoon family's fictional home in Springfield, US.

The fibreglass and polystyrene doughnut was a tourist magnet, but some apparently saw it as an eyesore.

So after the 3.5 diameter doughnut was severely damaged in the arson attack, the town had to decide whether to erect a new diameter version of Homer Simpson's favourite treat.

At a town meeting this week, the decision was unanimous in favour of erecting a new, more resilient concrete doughnut structure.

The owner of Springfield's Yelloo Shack Cafe, Joy Ropiha, said the attack on the doughnut, which stopped people on trips between Christchurch and the West Coast, was sad for the community.

Visitors were constantly coming in to the cafe to ask what had happened to it, Mrs Ropiha said.

"The doughnut's still there, but people aren't stopping like they were. They used to come out of their cars, and have picnics and busloads used to stop and have their photos taken ... that's all stopped.

"The bus drivers have realised it's not the thing to do to take somebody to see a burned doughnut."

Mrs Ropiha said residents had a good idea who was responsible for the fire.

The plan for the new doughnut was pleasing. She said she would be surprised if the new doughnut was attacked.