New Zealand is known for its quirks and differences which separate us from the rest of the world.
So here are some examples of the strangest decisions our regional councils have made, that further separate us from other nations.
The Great Rubber Duck Race Ban
Firstly In 2011, the Rotorua District Council banned a charity rubber duck race due to concerns about the potential environmental impact of losing rubber ducks in the local waterways.
This one is less weird and more practical, progressive thinking by the Rotorua district council.
Wellington’s Gigantic Hand Sculpture
The Wellington City Council approved a controversial $1.1 million sculpture of a giant hand, named “Quasi,” which was installed on top of the City Gallery in 2019.
I’ve seen this in person, lowkey terrifying.
Banning Cats in Omaui
In 2018, the Southland District Council proposed a ban on domestic cats in the small settlement of Omaui to protect native wildlife. Residents were told not to replace their cats once they died.
A bit of an odd one but I can see the logic.
Christchurch’s Cardboard Cathedral
After the 2011 earthquake, the Christchurch City Council approved the construction of a temporary cathedral made entirely out of cardboard. While innovative, it certainly raised eyebrows.
This is our eco-friendly attitude going slightly too far, what about the rain?
The $300,000 Toilet Block
In 2018, the Kawerau District Council spent $300,000 on a single public toilet block, sparking outrage over the exorbitant cost for such a basic facility.
Better be the best bathroom anyone’s ever seen.
Glow-in-the-Dark Road Lines in Tauranga
The Tauranga City Council trialled glow-in-the-dark road lines in 2019, which, while innovative, led to confusion and mixed reviews from drivers.
This one was pretty cool in theory but practically made no sense.
Auckland’s Len Brown Library Sign Mix-Up
In 2013, the Auckland Council spent $20,000 on a new sign for the Len Brown Library, only to realise they had misspelled the name, requiring a costly correction.
Every Aucklander let us a giant collective sigh after this one.
The $1.5 Million ‘Ghost’ Cycleway
The Whanganui District Council spent $1.5 million on a cycleway that ended up being barely used, earning it the nickname “the ghost cycleway.”
Well…I don’t even know what to say about this one.
Napier’s Fake Beach
The Napier City Council created a fake beach in the city centre in 2017, complete with sand and deck chairs. While it was intended to boost tourism, many locals found it odd and unnecessary.
It’s giving Truman show.
The New Plymouth Kissing Ban
In the 1960s, the New Plymouth City Council implemented a ban on kissing in public places, which was widely ignored and ridiculed until it was quietly dropped.
Nothing stands in the way of love.
