In the heart of New Zealand's Central Otago region, a rather unusual and eye-catching tourist attraction once stood out—the Cardrona Bra Fence. Initially starting as a quirky and lighthearted protest during the Christmas/New Year period between 1998 and 1999, women began attaching their bras to a rural fence. This peculiar tradition rapidly caught the imagination and interest of locals and tourists alike, transforming the fence into a famous landmark.
The origins of the Cardrona Bra Fence are somewhat unclear, but legend has it that it began when four women, celebrating the new millennium, attached their bras to the wire fence as a symbol of freedom and adventure. As word spread and more visitors passed by the remote road, the number of bras started to grow, attracting both intrigue and controversy.
Despite the initial amusement and tourism draw, the bra fence also faced its share of challenges. Local residents and authorities were concerned about the implications of such an attraction in terms of decorum and area image. Additionally, there were debates regarding safety and the appropriateness of the growing spectacle, which at its peak, had thousands of bras fluttering in the wind.
Over the years, the fence experienced several cleanups and removals by authorities and displeased locals, only to be repopulated with bras by supporters of the unconventional landmark. The local council in Wanaka even debated on the matter, leading to periodic clearances of the fence. However, support for the bra fence also translated into charitable activities; at various times, it was used as a means to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, aligning the whimsical nature of the fence with a deeper purpose.
Despite the global attention and the local and international visitors it drew, ongoing disputes and maintenance issues eventually led to a more permanent removal of the bras. What the Cardrona Bra Fence demonstrated, however, was the powerful blend of humor and grassroots activism that can turn a simple idea into a cultural statement. Its legacy continues to be debated and celebrated as a symbol of community and creative expression in New Zealand folklore.
