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Wind Wand back after 87 days

Christina Persico

After 87 days, New Plymouth’s Wind Wand has been flown back in to its coastline spot.

The Len Lye sculpture was removed on March 22 for maintenance and was flown back yesterday morning following weather delays.

The wand was repaired at Pace Engineering in Waiwhakaiho, the New Plymouth District Council said.

The maintenance cost $160,000 and included a new electrical cable, new spheres and LED lights, structural integrity work, new mounts and a fresh coat of paint.

The wand was airlifted to the Coastal Walkway beneath a Super Huey flown by Eltham-based Beck Helicopters.

An area around the Wind Wand was sealed off and a small crowd gathered to watch as the helicopter landed on the walkway after delivering its unusual cargo.

The Wand was installed in December 1999 in time to have its light switched on at 12am on January 1, 2000, the start of the new millennium.

This is the fourth time it has been removed for maintenance.

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2021-06-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-06-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/282200833874600

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