Have your say: Museum drawcard

Hundertwasser building model on display in Whangarei.

Earlier this month I made a trip to Whangarei for three days.

I was very keen to see something about the Hundertwasser project and had been told by friends in Auckland there was a model on display. So I rang the number for the WDC in the phone book (which I have since learnt went to a call centre) and the person who answered was not sure if there was a Hundertwasser display. She said she thought it had finished.

I asked in two John St shops and both owners said they had heard of it and kept getting questions about it but didn't know where it was.

Incredible. All shops in the area need to be visited and briefed.

In Cameron St, a gallery attendant knew straight away and directed me to the street running parallel, James St I think .

Somebody needs to tell the call centre to get up to date. All staff answering any phones at the WDC must be well informed - they are part of the public relations and promotion process and network for this splendid project.

Having found the Hundertwasser Information Centre, I was quite amazed at how large the planned building is going to be. Much bigger than I had imagined and far more facilities that I had realised.

The volunteer staff at the centre were most helpful and despite the years of frustration and unnecessary obfuscation by some councillors (who should resign in my view) they were still full of enthusiasm.

I have no doubt that this Hundertwasser Building will be a major drawcard for Whangarei. I assume that residents of Whangarei will be aware of last weekend's big news story from New Plymouth about the opening of the amazing Len Lye Centre there.

It also had its critics and some are still carping about it, but without such visionary projects regional centres will just ossify.

They all need points of difference and arts facilities which excite both visitors and residents.

I look forward to being invited to the opening!

Russell Armitage
Hamilton
(abridged)