Police take wind out of challenge

A young Taranaki man has declared he'll climb Len Lye's famous Wind Wand if enough people join his Facebook group before next year.

However, police and the New Plymouth District Council say the climb would be a health and safety risk and they are unimpressed with the aspiring stuntman's plans.

Liam Barr began the online group – which needs 10,000 members before he'll carry out the dangerous deed – only two months ago and it has already attracted 5541 followers.

The Taranaki Daily News has so far been unable to contact Mr Barr, but he makes regular appearances on the group's discussion board, chatting to members about their advice on how to complete the 45m climb.

New Plymouth District Council parks manager Mark Bruhn said until yesterday he had not heard of the group and would be very interested to talk to Mr Barr.

"I'd like to think he'd come and talk to us before he tried anything," Mr Bruhn said.

"We have to be mindful of health and safety. The Wind Wand is not certified to take human weight," he said.

"My strong advice to any readers is not to try it."

Acting Sergeant Craig Walsh, of the New Plymouth police, said if anyone tried to climb the Wind Wand police would try to get them down.

"For his own safety. I don't think you can even climb the thing – a pole of fibreglass is not conducive to climbing," he said.

Police would not be impressed if Mr Barr attempted to go through with the stunt.

"It would mean a callout to fire and ambulance and police, a complete drain on public resources just for some guy to get his kicks," Mr Walsh said.