The ponga statue of an angler guarding the Piri Road entrance to TRM has finally fallen. He was originally erected on the top of the trunk of an old gum tree that was cut down about 2005. The staff christened the statue “Wayne” for some forgotten reason although his gender was not that obvious.

He could hardly be noticed on guard so a trout rod was added to Wayne to indicate what TRM inmates are all about. That did not last long. It was too much of a challenge to local kids to pinch the old rod.

Over the years the signage has been updated but due to the kids climbing up to pinch the replacement rods, the statue started to lean over. Without the rod Wayne started a precarious lean and resembled an impression of a drunk angler. Over the last year the pitch of the lean steadily increased until gravity won and he has finally crashed off his lofty perch.

Now SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed is the Manager of garden statues at TRM) has decided to somehow re-erect him to guard the new pumice landscaping on the Taupahi Road entrance. But She will not make the mistake of arming him with a fishng rod this time. Perhaps an old shotgun might be more appropriate? Watch this space…