Something fishy has happened to one of Rotorua's metre-long decorative trouts currently on display outside businesses throughout the CBD.

'After Midnight', an entry in Rotorua District Council's 'Fish Out of Water' art competition, has been removed from its stand outside McLeod's Booksellers.Something fishy has happened to one of Rotorua's metre-long decorative trouts currently on display outside businesses throughout the CBD.

'After Midnight', an entry in Rotorua District Council's 'Fish Out of Water' art competition, has been removed from its stand outside McLeod's Booksellers.RDC community arts officer, Kiri Jarden, says the silver and pink fibreglass fish may have taken the fancy of a late night reveller in the city centre after it was accidently left outside after hours.

"The irony isn't lost on us that the fish was probably taken in the small hours of the morning, given that this creation had been named 'After Midnight'.

"It's possibly making an interesting conversation piece in someone's house, or miraculously grown legs and gone walkabouts."

Ms Jarden said she would like the $400 fish returned, no questions asked. She can be contacted on 3484 199.

Fish Out of Water

A creative trail of colourful trout is brightening up the CBD this summer, in the third annual 'Fish Out of Water' competition.

This year 14 fish, provided by Rotorua District Council and decorated by local people, are on display around the central city over the Christmas and New Year period.

RDC community arts officer, Kiri Jarden, says the fish are becoming more and more popular with each competition.

"We've had some amazing fish created in the previous two competitions by local people which has encouraged more people to take part this season. Designs are colourful and creative, with lots of fun and imaginative concepts behind them.

"It's fantastic to have a variety of local groups, including the Western Heights Special Needs Unit, the Lake City Breakfast Toastmasters, Rotorua Settlement Support, Rotorua Public Library, and other individuals taking part in this fishy project."

Ms Jarden also says she is impressed at the enthusiasm entrants and participating retailers have shown, resulting in the biggest trail so far.

The public is asked to vote for their favourite fish by filling in a form at City Focus. All votes will go in to win one of three t-shirts.

'Fish Out Of Water' are on display until the end of January and are located at Little Monkey Kids, Sole Outlet, The Styx, McLeod's Booksellers, Abracadabra Cafe and Bar, Mike Steiner Design, City Focus, Fern Arts and Crafts, Te Raukura Gallery, Of Hand and Heart, Triple 1 Five Cafe, Lady Jane's Ice Cream Parlour, Rotorua Public Library, and Hamills New Zealand.

Image: Poisson Rouge by Angela Croft located at The Styx on Eruera St.

www.creativerotorua.org.nz

13/01/08