DinoFest city bound
There are almost 600 signatures on an online petition to bring dinosaurs to a Hamilton park.
But Hamilton City Council - the intended recipient - says it was ‘‘absolutely not’’ planning to ever stop the DinoFest show and hopes it can come to Hamilton in April.
DinoFest has brought lifelike dinosaur statues and puppets to several New Zealand cities.
The event includes a bush trail to take visitors back 70 million years, and activities such as sieving for fossil shark teeth.
Organisers initially posted on social media about problems finding a Hamilton spot for the show, including an issue with an entry charge for an event in a public park.
A petition from Tania Mahood appeared on Change.org saying the group was struggling to come to Hamilton because council didn’t consent to it using a park.
The petition had just over 600 signatures early Wednesday afternoon - by which time organisers were already working with Hamilton City Council.
Council was ‘‘absolutely not’’ looking to stop the event, city events manager Tracey Wood said, there was just a breakdown in communication.
It’s an exciting opportunity, she said, and she’s working with organisers to make it happen.
No sites have been ruled out yet but legislation means some areas that can’t be used for commercial events.
DinoFest organisers responded to requests for comment with a short message to say they would love to come to Hamilton.
‘‘We spoke to Tracey at Hamilton Council last week, who was very supportive and friendly,’’ they wrote on Tuesday.