Erosion protection group WOW billboard stolen from Haumoana

WOW Inc the volunteer group dedicated to finding a solution for coastal erosion threats to the Cape Coast (Haumoana, Te Awanga and Clifton) has become the target of theft.

Within the past 48 hours a large billboard securely placed on a fence opposite the Cape View corner shops in Haumoana was stealthily removed from its position.

The large sign (2 x 3m) featuring the artwork of community artistSallie Dunford and depicting Cape Kidnappers and best things about the Cape Coast simply states The Cape Coast: Worth Saving and points people the WOW website where there’s a full outline of the group’s activities and newsletters from the past few years.

WOW has been working alongside the joint council’s Tangoio to Clifton Coastal Erosion Group to try and get the best possible result for the area from Awatoto to Clifton as it prepares to come up with an all-of-coast plan.

WOW will be presenting its preferences to both the Hastings District and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council annual plan hearings in June and firmly believes a co-operative approach between the councils for beach replenishment and management as well as a well structure groyne field can protect the area from further erosion for at least the next 30-years.

WOW has been working toward a solution for the past seven years and says it’s now up to both councils to take the lead from their joint deliberations and actually do something.

The sign opposite Cape View shops, in front of the house that was required to be moved due to erosion last year, was one of four paid for and erected by WOW committee members.

WOW paid for the consenting costs to Hastings District Council and has permission from the owners of each of the properties where they are located.

WOW wonders why anyone would remove the attractive sign with such a positive message. “It’s not as if it’s an act of deliberate vandalism,” says WOW spokesperson Keith Newman, “the sign was put together and nailed in place with framing built to last and has been removed by people who knew what they were doing as there’s little or no damage to the framework.”

WOW wants to hear from anyone who knows anything about the disappearance of its billboard and has notified Hastings Police.

ENDS

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