King Tawhiao sign comes down

KING TAWHIAO COMES DOWN

After a quarter century of welcoming people to Taumarunui the old King Tawhiao sign on SH4 has come down (2 May) to make way for a new one.

Ruapehu District Council Property Team Leader Rebecca Van Orden said that the sign was removed very gently and with considerable care and respect.

Local Iwi performed a karakia before the sign was removed which was watched by a supportive group of around 30 people, she said.

The old sign will now be wrapped and put in storage until it can be given over to the care of the Kingitanga.

Work on putting up the new sign will start tomorrow and it is expected to be in place by the end of this week (6 May).

The new sign will however be covered-up until the King officially unveils it.

The date for the unveiling is scheduled for Sunday 15 May however the official confirmation of this day is still to be confirmed by the King's representatives.

Ms. Van Orden said that Council wanted to thank Capture Signs and The Lines Company for the great job they did.

End.