A new mural on a Palmerston North roundabout has angered some locals who say it's a waste of money at best and dangerous at worst.
The artwork is designed to slow cars down in the city centre. Pencils have been painted on the footpath and a Māori poutama pattern is featured on the courtesy crossing and roundabout.
It's part of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency's innovating streets programme, which aims to retrofit streets and create more spaces for people.
But the comments on a local community Facebook page have blasted the artwork, with many saying it's "an eyesore" and "a waste of money".
"Why can't they just spend their money on affordable housing?" wrote one woman.
"That looks distracting and the white's gonna shine bright in the sun," wrote another.
"Who makes these ridiculous decisions?" asked one local man.
"More wasted money that could be used on something else that benefits the community."
The artwork was 90 percent paid for by Waka Kotahi in collaboration with Palmerston North City Council and Square Edge community arts.
David Murphy, Palmerston North City Council's acting general manager of strategy and planning says the work is a "tactical urbanism" approach that will test how to create attractive vibrant places to support people and the arts.
Murphy also says it will be safer for motorists and pedestrians.
"The artwork should send a clear signal to drivers they are moving into a slower speed area," he said.
It was designed by artists Warren Warbrick and Colin Hoare, and the poutama pattern was designed by Rangitāne and Toi Warbrick.
Poutama patterns symbolise genealogies and varying levels of intellectual achievement - some also say they represent the steps to heaven.
