Stuffed letterbox

Sense of humour gone adrift

It seems ironic that some of the people involved in the building up, or pulling down, of some of Riverton's most substantial structures seem so threatened by a simple (free) driftwood sculpture.
Have they lost their sense of humour?
Their sense of fun and joy?
Or just their marbles?
If the cap fits ...

Tim Anderson, Riverton

In The Southland Times (August 11) there was an article about the artwork on the mudflats here in Riverton, namely a structure in the form of a deer made from driftwood.
I understand four people have complained about it to Environment Southland and want it removed.
In my opinion it is far better than the hideous structure that looks like cattle yards that were built there at great cost some time ago.
This structure has cost us, the ratepayers, nothing and I say good on Mr Hill for building it.
I myself am wondering if the people who complained are Riverton born and bred – and I mean Riverton, not out-of-town imports who have not lived here all their lives.

James More, Riverton



I was disappointed to read of the hostile and reactive response artist Wayne Hill received for his sculptural work in the Riverton estuary.
I am a visiting artist from Wellington, a place where the council seek out and pay sculptors to install their pieces in the city's public space and waterfront.
These works may have at times received mixed opinions but, on the whole, have been accepted and celebrated as part of Wellington's "creative capital" identity.
To my eye Wayne Hill's sculpture looks like a fun and imaginative work, which is completely sympathetic to its surrounding environment; a fitting contribution to the positive and diverse community I have encountered in Riverton since being in Southland.
I view Wayne's work as a generous, public-spirited gesture – an artistic response to a beautiful place and its enlivened community. No need for a chainsaw.

Deborah Barton, William Hodges Fellow, Invercargill



Is public art in the public good?

There is a little town I know,
Where Wayne Hill likes to put art on show.
This made hundreds glad,
But four people mad.
So now it may have to go.

Bad limericks aside, the following are verbatim extracts from the Draft Riverton-Aparima Community Concept Plan (p 29):
"Community art is becoming a more and more popular phenomenon in recent years and art in a community can be a major drawcard for visitors to the area.
"Workshop attendees supported the idea of sculptures/community art within the Riverton township.
"A suggestion was put forward to have a sculpture located around the viewing platform and Te Hikoi area."
It seems that Wayne Hill's actions simply reflect the wider wishes of the community.
The Draft Community Concept Plan is currently open for comment and ultimately this matter is one for public debate. I have put my name to this letter. Perhaps those who disagree with the concept of public art might feel the need to do the same in putting forward their alternative point of view?

Mark Bailey, Riverton



Riverton artist Wayne Hill is to be congratulated on his driftwood sculptures that have appeared on Riverton's foreshore in recent months. They have attracted a lot of local interest and have raised smiles on many faces.
To those few mean-spirited neanderthals who have taken it upon themselves to destroy several of these driftwood creations, you are an embarrassment to Riverton. To those miserable souls who lodged a complaint with Environment Southland under the Resource Management Act you are devious, sad and obviously have little going on in your lives.
A simple message to Wayne Hill – keep up the good work. It is appreciated.

Aaron Speer, Riverton.



Wayne Hill's driftwood works of art are being enjoyed by almost everyone in Riverton but not, it seems, by the four unhappy souls who are complaining to the council about the stag, tucked away as it is in a quiet backwater behind the town.
They want it gone.
The regional council, obliged to respond to complaints, have sent staff out to "investigate"; take photographs, write notes, interview the people of the town.
You'd have to ask whether it's worth the trouble and the cost of those staff for their time and travel, which must be met from the rates we pay.
If only those complainers would just relax a little. Then we could all enjoy our stag, our artists, our lovely town and even our differences.
I bet Environment Southland would like that too.

Robert Guyton, Riverton