Western Bay of Plenty District Council is responding to a high priority roading maintenance request following a member of the community making the council aware of an issue in a rather "potty" way.

In a creative and colourful initiative community members near the Te Puna roundabout have taken matters into their own hands, transforming unsightly potholes into vibrant displays of nature.

Instead of waiting for official repairs, and wanting to highlight the issue, these residents have planted flower plants into potholes in the lane area between Te Puna Road and State Highway 2, near the BP Truckstop, petrol station and Te Puna Four Square.

Te Puna BP Truckstop next to the Te Puna intersection, SH2. Photo: Google Maps.

"We were made aware of these potholes at the end of last week, when we were contacted by a concerned member of public," says Western Bay of Plenty District Council Transportation Area Engineer Ashley Hall.

"The site was inspected and the repair work was added to our maintenance schedule, with high priority."

Flower plants planted into potholes near the Te Puna roundabout.  Photo: Supplied.

Ashley says they expect the holes to be infilled this week.

"With high demands on our contracted inspectors, maintenance work like this sometimes gets missed, so we are grateful when people let us know about these issues as they occur."

Ashley says if anyone has any concerns regarding road maintenance, please contact Council as soon as the issue becomes apparent, so it can be assessed and repair work scheduled as resources become available.

You can do this via the Antenno app, or contact the council team on 0800 926 732.

"Planting potholes is a creative, but not very practical or safe solution," says Ashley.

"Personally, I would recommend hydrangeas, as they are a colourful and durable choice during the hotter weather - but only for your own personal driveway."

Flower plants planted into potholes near the Te Puna roundabout.  Photo: Supplied.