Letter to the Editor - Thursday September 27, 2012

Stepping stone to new heights

In response to Luke Lunjevich (All for Maori, letters September 18).

Some say Te Ahu is an eyesore on the fringe of our small town, both in design and as a constant reminder of the millions spent of taxpayers' money.

You are now adding that it bears an overpowering sense that it is dedicated to Maori culture.

Yes, I do agree that a lot of what has been put together is from Maori tradition or culture - carvings, the name Te Ahu, the logo design - but Te Ahu Charitable Trust's vision has always been to "create a landmark meeting place for our people and visitors that nurtures and shares the stories and culture of our community".

I believe this has been achieved.

Te Ahu is a beautiful collaboration between modern and traditional design, which boasts a unique mixture of cultures.

I believe it is a stepping stone toward new heights in embracing the cultures that have survived in the Far North, as we see that dissipate in other regions around New Zealand and the world in general.

It is a feat in itself that Maori culture has survived, given the state of other indigenous peoples of the world who have been stripped mercilessly by our colonial ancestors.

Te Ahu's construction process and finishing product, to me, are a representation of a new age, a renaissance if you will, (with a little less enlightenment) of people coming together for a common cause, which they will share for generations to come.

It really is about whether you will jump on the boat with us and work towards building some common ground here.

This building is not separatist, the Te Ahu Charitable Trust is not separatist, it is a celebration of intertwining cultures that has just seemed to go over your head.

ELISSA THOMAS

Awanui