The much-loved Ōmokoroa Rock will soon return, once again providing a familiar welcome for those arriving in the coastal town.

The rock, which previously sat on the corner of State Highway 2 and Ōmokoroa Rd, is expected to be in position at its new location on the corner of Ōmokoroa Rd and Prole Rd by early August.

In a statement, Western Bay of Plenty District Council said geotechnical assessments were being carried out, ahead of designing and building a foundation to hold the 28-tonne stone.

The council’s general manager of infrastructure, Brad Singh, said the rock is special to a lot of people in Ōmokoroa.

“It’s a distinctive local landmark that has become part of the town’s identity,” he said.

“We know its return will be a welcome sight for many in the community.”

Thre landmark in its old spot, State Highway 2 at Omokoroa, before the wooden lizard was stolen back in 2019. Photo / File

The rock, also known as the “Lizard Rock”, was originally installed in 2016, along with a large lizard sculpture that was stolen three years later and never recovered.

In July 2024 the rock was removed and put into storage, to allow construction of the new SH2-Ōmokoroa Rd roundabout.

The rock’s new location was confirmed with input from the Ōmokoroa – Kaimai Community Board, and the completion of a transportation safety assessment and investigations to ensure no underground services would be affected.

Community board chairman Chris Dever said the work to return the landmark to the public had been a genuinely collaborative effort.

“Our community cares deeply about how we present the gateway to Ōmokoroa, and it’s been great to work alongside residents, the arts community and council staff to find a solution that reflects that pride,” he said.

“The next step is to work with the community to identify a ‘theme’ for Ōmokoroa. Katikati has the murals, Te Puke has the kiwifruit – what makes Ōmokoroa special? Once we identify that, we can look at additional artwork to enhance the entrance to our great community.”