Wrong for domain

Editor,

I am opposed to the proposed Sports-ville complex at Ngatitoa Domain as detailed in the Kapi-mana News, May 1. However, I am pleased to read that council is reassessing this proposal and I ask that it consider the following;

a) I understand that Ngatitoa Domain is a reserve so it is disappointing that so much space would be taken up by yet another building in the middle of it. The ParemataPlimmerton Rugby Club could rebuild their clubrooms with an upperfloor for meeting rooms and bar, which wouldn’t take up so much extra land, or Ngatitoa Domain Hall could be changed and extended.

b) There are already plenty of pubs/clubs in the vicinity (like Mana Cruising Club, the squash club, two pubs in Mana and a few restaurants), which would all be affected by the complex.

c) There must be a building or house suitable for rent or purchase that could be changed to cater for the Plimmerton Creche or could they use the domain hall

d) There are insufficient soccer fields at the moment and a greater need than ever for more pitches, and yet the council would be reducing them with this plan.

e) I don’t want to see too much artificial turf on the domain, as I believe we should be preserving as much grass as possible in our green spaces.

f) The project would mean an increase in our rates at a time when many ratepayers are struggling financially.

On another note, apparently the whole domain has important historical significance with Maori settlements having been there for a long time and, after the Maori war at Battle Hill, some Maori were hung and buried at the domain. I believe there needs to be a reconciliation service held at both Battle Hill and Ngatitoa Domain, which I don’t believe has happened before. There is a need for apologies and forgiveness on all sides so that our future generations can live in harmony. ANNE DODDS, Pukerua Bay.

(Abridged)