Riley Baker memorial to stay?

The grieving family of Dunedin photographer Riley Baker has been told his memorial will remain, but authorities remain tightlipped.

Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher told Riley’s sister, Sarah Baker, he had received an email from NZTA confirming it no longer planned to remove the memorial.

‘‘That was awesome to hear . . . we are so relieved.’’

However, NZTA transport system management senior manager Steve Mutton was not in a position to confirm any reprieve.

‘‘We are meeting with the family of Riley Baker early next week to discuss the situation directly. We are committed to finding a resolution which respects their wishes.’’

Baker’s family sought permission from NZTA to install a headstone near the crash site, but were shocked to learn it may be removed after a contractor emailed them last week.

The 26-year-old died after a tourist driver his motorcycle on State Highway 1, near the Shag Point turnoff between Palmerston and Moeraki, on August 13, 2016.

The ’’Leave Riley Baker’s Memorial Alone’’ petition attracted hundreds of signatures, with Sarah Baker expressing her thanks to people who supported the family.

Earlier this week Mutton confirmed the agency gave permission to install a seat ‘‘to look out to the ocean with a plaque on the seat as a memorial to Riley’’.

Contractors were there when the seat was installed.

The NZTA did not give permission to install a headstone containing ashes by the seat, which was on public road reserve land, Mutton said.

He acknowledged this was not clearly communicated to Baker’s family and apologised for the distress.

Kircher has been approached for comment.