Editorial: Waka needs better berth

Plans to month to move the show boat to Tauranga have prompted heated debate. Photo / NZH

The proposal to bring a giant waka to Tauranga's waterfront is making some CBD retailers nervous.

The Waka Maori - a canoe-shaped venue which pulled crowds in Auckland during the 2011 Rugby World Cup - could now be used to establish a cultural, technological and innovation showcase centre in Tauranga.

Dubbed the "tupperwaka" by critics of its nearly $2 million cost to the taxpayer, the white hull hosted 400,000 visitors to Auckland's Viaduct over 11 days of the Cup.

Later, it was donated to Ngati Whatua o Orakei, who commissioned it and contributed $100,000 of the cost.

The structure was dismantled and stored but then the tribe's commercial arm started hiring it out and and it was taken to San Francisco.

Plans to month to move the show boat to Tauranga have prompted heated debate.

Critics rightly point out that placing the waka on the waterfront would detract from or block views of the water - a stunning natural feature that adds immeasurably to the area's appeal.

We now learn that the project, if it goes ahead, could see up to 100 carparks disappear from the central business district. Really? Is it any wonder many retailers in the area are alarmed by the plan?

Those backing the idea might point to the huge number of people who visited the waka in Auckland but that happened during a major sporting event which swelled tourist numbers.

I like the idea of establishing a cultural, technological and innovation showcase centre for the Bay of Plenty.

One of the ideas being put forward for the Waka Maori is using it to house the Battle of Gate Pa exhibition.

These plans have merit but surely a better location can be found.