In 2018, Whakatāne District Council installed several signs, located at the entrances to the Whakatāne district, along Landing and Domain Rds, and in Ōhope, co-funded by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to highlight the town’s point of difference as a tourist destination.
A Whakatāne resident, who asked not to be named, said the signs were insensitive and a constant reminder to those who had been harmed by the eruption.
“They are everywhere. I see at least four of them each day when I drive to work and you can’t not see them.”
Whakatāne District Council strategy and transformation general manager Steven Perdia said it had been a complex time.
“We have been caught between those who want to move on and not be reminded of the volcano and those who don’t want it forgotten or still see Whakatāne as the gateway to Whakaari.”
However, he said progress was being made toward making a decision about the future of the signs.
“Conversations have started again with key stakeholders and iwi partners to progress the removal of the signs, and we expect the work to be completed ahead of next summer.”
The small volcanic island’s owners are now the main defendants in a trial over alleged health and safety failings in the lead-up to the deadly eruption in December 2019.
WorkSafe opened the trial’s proceedings in Auckland on Tuesday.
- Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air
