Canterbury Museum is still interested in relocating and recreating Bluff's iconic paua-shell house despite a southern outcry from those who say the collection should not move north.
Fred and Myrtle Flutey built the house over their lifetimes. Mrs Flutey died in 2000 and Mr Flutey in 2002. Theirdaughter, Gloria Henderson, said it was their dying wish that the collection stay in Bluff.
But the Fluteys' grandson Ross Bowen now owns the house and collection. He wants to give it to a museum on extended loan and has approached Canterbury Museum.
Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt said representatives of local Maori said sending the collection north would be tantamount to stealing.
He said the community was appalled the museum would consider taking the collection, and believed it should remain in Bluff.
Canterbury Museum's acting director Lesley Colsell said the museum had been approached by Mr Bowen regarding possible relocation.
"We are interested in the prospect of recreating this iconic New Zealand display at the museum," she said. "The museum is considering the feasibility of this proposal."
Southland Maori representative Michael Skerrett said in Maori terms it would be tahai (stealing).
"I believe their grandson who now owns the Paua House has misinterpreted what Fred and Myrtle would have wanted," Mr Skerrett said.
He said the shells were mostly local taonga (treasures).
Southland Maori would be talking to iwi representatives in Canterbury to make their feelings known, he said.
Mr Shadbolt said community leaders in Invercargill and Bluff had been working on ways to retain the house and its collection in Bluff.
Bluff Maritime Museum was prepared to take it on loan or buy it outright.
