Porirua names sadly missing

I agree with your editorial (January 13) about lack of recognition for Porirua people in the New Year honours list.

It seems incredible that no-one living in Porirua – and there are more than 50,000 of us! – was deemed worthy of a mention.

A quick look at the full list reveals that the top awards, such as the knighthoods, go to people who have won political favour with whatever party is in government.

But it would be nice to think that honours like the QSMs would more genuinely represent deserving people who have served their communities well.

I am baffled as to why people in Porirua are not deemed worthy, and perhaps you are right.

It seems the impetus will have to come from the Porirua community because no-one outside Porirua seems especially bothered about trying to reward the right people. Christmas, and it also represents blood – the blood of our family members that would have flowed if the Japanese had invaded New Zealand.

The United States Marines protected us while most of our troops were in Europe.

The irony is that if the invasion had occurred, many of us would not be here today. We would never have been born.

So be thankful to the Marines, realise that they lost many of their number and feel a deep sense of shame that our city council first neglected then voted to demolish the only local structure that was specially erected for the Marines, which has national significance.

It would be an insult if our appreciation for the sacrifices the Marines made was remembered by a plaque in the ground.

There should be a living structure in which community activities can take place and which is an effective reminder of our recent history.

Those who voted to demolish the hall failed the citizens of Titahi Bay and Porirua, but more significantly all New Zealanders.

Councillors should appreciate those who shaped our recent past, and rescind their decision.

Life and real meaning needs to be put into the Marines Hall. It should be a symbol that all New Zealanders know about.

It should not be demolished and become the field of shame.