Lack of berth sinks waka plan

The Waka Maori was mooted for use as a culture, technology and innovation pavilion for the city centre.

Plans to have a controversial 75-metre plastic waka on the Tauranga waterfront have been dropped after the feasibility process failed to find a suitable location, said steering group members.

The group had been investigating the possibility of leasing the Waka Maori - owned by Auckland iwi Ngati Whatua Orakei - to use as a culture, technology and innovation pavilion for the city centre.

Last Friday, the group advised Tauranga City Council members the business case prepared by consultants O'Connor Sinclair showed that, while the initiative could be a viable option for the city, there was little choice but to cease further work on the project because of the lack of a suitable existing venue, and the potential cost of developing an alternative site.

The group saw the potential benefits of Waka Maori as increasing the spend in the central city, and providing a venue to tell the story of Tauranga and showcase the desirability of the region for business investment.

The initial proposal looked at positioning Waka Maori on the Northern Strand car park, which drew criticism from local businesses and some of the public.

Priority One chief executive Andrew Coker said: "It was highlighted by business and building owners on the Strand that they weren't in favour of Waka Maori in the car parks potentially blocking their view."

An alternative proposed option was to build a pier further along the waterfront to house the Waka Maori. Other sites were also ruled out as unviable.

The success of the Gate Pa exhibition, drawing 11,000 visitors in a month, was a catalyst for the waka project with Tuskany brand manager Sally Cooke keen to find the exhibition a permanent home. Although it proved unviable, she believes a case exists for such a centre in Tauranga.

Gary Dawson, chief executive of Bay Leisure and Events, said that though the Waka Maori concept was not viable, the work involved had identified a need for an event centre.

Pukehinahina Charitable Trust project director Buddy Mikaere was disappointed with the decision.

"We need something that is unusual and different to underline the role of Tauranga as a place where you do and see things differently."