Council narrowly split over $10m Blake memorial

By CLAIRE TREVETT

If the future of the Blake memorial was in the hands of Auckland's civic leaders, a very tight vote would see the Maritime Museum exhibition remain intact, but with a slightly re-jigged look about it.

An informal poll of Auckland City Council members found 11 of the 20 council members supported the current proposal for an exhibition on Blake's life at the Maritime Museum, with NZL 32 proudly on display.

Eight council members, from City Vision, Labour and Team Auckland, favoured Kaikoura Island or further discussion about alternatives.

Juliet Yates was the only councillor to straddle the fence, saying she had not thought which one might be better as a memorial. "I think we should save the island from unnecessary exploitation, but at the same time the actual building for the museum looks quite striking."

Of the Maritime Museum supporters, four said the design should be looked at again.

Bill Christian said the boat marked Sir Peter's America's Cup achievements and should be displayed somewhere near the Maritime Museum, although the current proposal was "a dog of a design".

Greg McKeown, Graeme Mulholland and Geoff Abbott also expressed some design concerns.

Mayor John Banks, deputy Mayor David Hay, Scott Milne, Doug Armstrong and William Cairns favoured the Maritime Museum proposal.

The common reason was because it was easy for people to get to and the exhibits would appeal to tourists and children.

Noelene Raffills said the present design proposal should go ahead. Similar criticisms were levelled at the heavy emphasis on glass in plans for the Christchurch Art Gallery. But when it was completed people were amazed by it, she said.

Penny Sefuiva said she had no issue with displaying the boat and history of Sir Peter's achievement in the Maritime Museum. But there had been no opportunity to discuss other options.

Backers of the Kaikoura Island proposal included Bruce Hucker and most City Vision, Labour and Team Auckland councillors.

A press release sent out this week by Penny Sefuiva, Victoria Carter, Bruce Hucker, Sheryl McElvey, Richard Northey, Glenda Fryer and Vern Walsh said there should be more council debate of the decision before money was committed.

Mr Hucker said he strongly supported Kaikoura Island as an alternative memorial. "It's a much more durable memorial to Sir Peter and fits well with his interests in conservation and sailing."

Fay Storer also backed the island idea as a "living memorial".

Auckland Issues Minister Judith Tizard said the ultimate decision should be by Sir Peter's family.

But the Maritime Museum was the right place for Black Magic. "I understand there's no water on Kaikoura Island, which makes it difficult to plant trees and put birds in.

"So I would like to see a better-considered plan than just saying, 'buy an island'."

What councillors say - a sample

FOR the maritime museum proposal

Maybe [Kaikoura Island] doesn't need to be bought. Maybe we simply change the name to Sir Peter Blake Island and call it the Maori term for that. - Bill Christian

As far as Kaikoura Island is concerned, I believe Sydney is closer by plane than Kaikoura is by boat. - William Cairns

Interactive exhibits would enable people to be inspired by this man's life. - Noelene Raffills

[Museum proposal] not only represents Peter's yachting experiences but also those of New Zealand. - Mark Donnelly

I'm not sure the island is a Sir Peter Blake issue. It should be considered separately. - Greg McKeown

There's no point going down a path that the family is not comfortable with. - Geoff Abbott

It would help the viability of the Maritime Museum, and it has struggled ... and it would recognise Sir Peter Blake's life. - David Hay

I think there's always a possibility of a redesign to the concept, but the central position is certainly the ideal place for it. - Graeme Mulholland

The museum exhibit, even without the boat, because it's the best thing for Auckland ... that's what will inspire children. - Scott Milne

The benefits to all concerned in the Museum project put it marginally ahead. - Doug Armstrong

AGAINST

I support [the island] in preference to the development of a glass case with a yacht in it. - Bruce Hucker

Obviously something can be done [in Auckland] but it doesn't have to be done to that extent and certainly not with a budget of $10 million. - Fay Storer

I would say something that fulfils more of Sir Peter Blake's environmental values. Something like the island, or something on Motutapu, for example. - Victoria Carter