Huge Bastion Point statue wins mixed support, but cost concerning
There is tentative public support for a huge statue at the entrance to Auckland’s harbour, but many are concerned about the potential cost.
The statue of Papatu¯a¯nuku — the Ma¯ori Earth Mother — has been proposed by Nga¯ti Wha¯tua o Ora¯kei ¯ and is part-funded by the Auckland Council, which has put an initial $1 million into its design and development.
It would be as tall as, or taller than New York’s Statue of Liberty, which is 46 metres high, and would be situated at the historic headland of Takaparawhau/Bastion Point.
Art historian Hamish Keith said a welcoming object similar to the Statue of Liberty would be a good fit for the site.
“A magnificent pou would be brilliant there. That is a work which belongs to our culture, is traditional and lovely and welcoming and all about us.
“But if it’s going to be some kind of mock-monumental, no thank you very much.”
National MP for Tamaki Simon O’Connor was not sold on the idea. “I’m a bit surprised,” he said. “I’m not completely against the concept of a public statue that says welcome. But I’m a little surprised that what’s being promoted is a religious figure. It seems a bit odd to me in a modern, secular New Zealand society.”
O’Connor also said it was not appropriate for the council to be paying for the statue when it was introducing fuel taxes and other levies.
Several readers said the statue should be built in a way which allowed visitors to climb to the top, similar to the Statue of Liberty.
“The views from up there would have tourists coming from miles around,” one said.
Jenny Blacklock, from Motueka, loved the idea of the statue:
“I would be very proud to see something so special . . .”
But she felt all costs should be covered by the iwi.
Kevin Cairns said it would be a great addition to a wonderful harbour: “It’s at a great spot in Auckland, a wonderful thing to view whether arriving in New Zealand by plane or boat.”
Another reader, Tony Parker, felt it was not a priority for ratepayers’ money, and asked if tourism operators might cover some of the cost.
Mark Lawson called it a “total waste of money. A complete kick in the face to motorists north of the Harbour Bridge”.
It’s at a great spot in Auckland, a wonderful thing to view whether arriving in New Zealand by plane or boat. Kevin Cairns
Steve Crow said there were “far better” ways to spend the likely millions of dollars in costs.
“Aucklanders have just been slammed with additional petrol taxes to fund vital roading infrastructure projects yet we can afford this sort of nonsense?”
Wendy Morrell’s review: “One word — horrendous.”
One reader supported the idea of a statue but asked if it could be representative of all of New Zealand.
“Why not a giant kiwi for us?”
The iwi conceived the Papatu¯a¯nuku statue as Auckland’s version of the Statue of Liberty or the 30m Christ the Redeemer above Rio de Janeiro, visible in lights at night from across the city, with stunning views from downtown, the North Shore, and from ships and ferries.
Mayor Phil Goff said it “has the potential to be an iconic symbol of Auckland. It will reflect the unique culture and identity of our city and be enjoyed equally by Maori, the wider community and international visitors”.
Auckland Council has approved $1m in its 10-year budget for the initial design and development — $100,000 for design in the current financial year and a further $900,000 for initial development next year.
Ngati Whatua Orakei Trust chairwoman Marama Royal said conceptual designs were being considered.