Erebus memorial

I support the view that Dove Meyer Robinson Park seems to be the wrong place for the proposed design for the Erebus memorial. It places a large barrier between the main grassy area and the trees, appears to dwarf the old pohutukawa, and is a very “hard” element in a park of real “softness” — roses mainly. More time should be taken for public consultation and the search for an alternative site. Now that the anniversary date has passed without a decision, it may be possible to find somewhere that all can agree on. One possible alternative is the area now subject to negotiations, which reportedly include the Auckland Council: Ihuma¯tao. If the outcome here led to a part of the land becoming a public space, I believe this would be an ideal site for the Erebus memorial. Anyone who has visited the land will know that it has a wonderful feeling of peace and openness. It is a space where you are drawn to contemplation. Pukeiti is already a sacred maunga for the people of Ihuma¯tao, and the area contains sacred burial caves. It overlooks the harbour and is close to the airport, the departure point for the flight. It signifies a place of arrival and departure. Clearly the discussions regarding the land need to reach their conclusion before this could even be considered, but it seems premature to me for the Waitemata Board to make a decision before these other discussions are finalised. It may also be that this proposal could become part of the discussion, enabling wider acceptance of the use of this very special land.

Margaret Kaye, Waterloo Quadrant.