DIRTY DEEDS DONE DIRT CHEAP
From almost anywhere in Taranaki, the skyline is dominated by its namesake volcano, Mt Taranaki. The peak juts skyward in an almost perfect cone. Poking out of the West Coast of the North Island, it’s exposed to weather from all points on the compass. With no other mountains nearby, local weather patterns are known to change without a moment’s notice, creating one of the country’s deadliest alpine environments.
Although Taranaki isn’t far out of the way, it’s also not on the way to anywhere, so it retains a remote and wild feeling; in other words, you need a good reason to visit. This, combined with the weather, has created some pretty hardcore residents.
Nestled in a tiny corner of Taranaki’s hub city of New Plymouth is a unique work of art. It’s not a painting or a multi-million-dollar wind wand. It’s made entirely by hand, mostly from dirt. Some would consider it a sculpture, or many sculptures. This gem is known as Rotoz. Although many have put shovel to dirt there, one man, like the volcano, stands out as the park’s dominant force. He’s put in more hours and wheelbarrow loads than any other person to ride there, and his work has put New Plymouth on the map for
