There has been debate over a structure proposed for the northern entrance to Oamaru.
The southern entrance has a sculpture of a Corinthian column emerging from blocks of Oamaru stone, reflecting the town's architectural heritage. It was put up more than 10 years ago.
At that time, an identical sculpture was to go up at the northern entrance, but a site was not decided. Now, a site has been found and the Waitaki District Council's corporate services committee has recommended up to $40,000 be spent to balance both entrances of the town.
This week Cr Jim Hopkins asked whether the structures should be identical.
Things had altered in the past 10 years, he said. Visitors had their own ideas about Oamaru and "liked the penguins".
He produced a picture of a small sculpture given by Mayor Alec Familton on behalf of the Waitaki district to HMNZS Otago. It was a column with a penguin on top.
The entrances could each have a different sculpture, he said, and because $40,000 was being spent, the council should consider that possibility.
However, Forrester Gallery director Warwick Smith said architecture was the "iconic feature" of the town, then and now.
The north end should replicate the south, Mr Smith said.
He cautioned against leaping fish, bottles, vegetables, fruit and even penguins.
"I believe [the sculpture] is unique, remarkable and finely crafted," he said.
Whatever happened, Cr Gary Kircher believed a structure had to be put up. People expected it.
"It's time to get on with it," he said.
