Ohakune has its carrot, Dargaville the kumara, Paeroa an
L&P bottle and Gore has gone overboard with a trout, a
guitar and a sheep. Now Dannevirke is to get a Viking.
After a period of heated debate, a Viking icon for the
southern Hawke's Bay town has been given the go-ahead by the
Tararua District Council.
Resource consent for the Viking will come with 10 conditions,
related to construction, height and lighting constraints.
A 10m-high reinforced glass feature will be made by
Wellington sculptor Denis Hall, with the help of Weta
Workshop, NewstalkZB reported.
The Dannevirke Promotion and Development Society is fund
raising to find the $280,000 needed for the project.
Though Dannevirke had Scandinavian heritage, many residents
wanted the Viking image thrown out - saying the warrior did
not suit the town.
History has painted Vikings as barbaric, although they were
also noted explorers and adventurers.
Signs at either end of Dannevirke clearly identify with the
Viking symbol. The word "Farvell" farewells visitors.
Many locals - including Maori leaders - were against a pagan
statue on the high street.
Opponents said portraying a warrior race renowned for
pillaging, looting and carrying off women would be culturally
insensitive and would distort the history of the town.
