By Adam Ray
Auckland will have a waka on the waterfront – but not everyone is paddling the same canoe.
Plans for the $2 million mostly taxpayer-funded PVC canoe are attracting strong views, both for and against.
Will it be a cultural icon or a waste of taxpayer money?
The canoe will be 60 metres long, 15 metres high and local hapu Ngati Whatua says it’s the perfect vessel to promote Maori culture.
A pavilion inside the waka will hold up to 1000 guests. It will host 17 days of Maori business and cultural events during the World Cup.
Many Maori say it’s a late arrival.
“We’ve had a Rugby World Cup Minister for three eyars and not one of them has thought Maori should have a profile, even though we are unique,” says Ella Henry of the AUT Maori Development Faculty.
The waka is designed to be portable – its walls are made of PVC fabric and the floors are wooden.
Ms Henry says it will be a draw card, even if it’s only temporary.
“I’m of the view that the container that’s in it does not undermine the quality of what is in it,” she says.
Tourists 3 News spoke to were divided. Opinion – even amongst couples – was split.
“My first impression is that it seems out of place,” says Canadian tourist Al Gilchrist.
“With all the beautiful modern boats here.”
“I think its intriguing, very interesting. Something one would want to visit,” says Eileen Gilchrist.
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples wants the waka at Party Central, near the Cloud building.
“The programme has been set down and they’re talking to the cloud to make sure we work in conjunction with the main programmes,” he says.
Ngarimu Blair says the waka can be put up in just three days, and dismantled in half that time – perfect for taking overseas.
“What better way to promote New Zealand and Maori culture than with an iconic structure?”
Ngati Whatui still haven’t lodged a resource application but they’re meeting the Auckland Council next week.
They say it’s going to be tight to get it done in time, but they’ll have the waka ready for the World Cup.
They’re so confident, they’ve already started hiring performers for events at the waka during the World Cup.
3 News