Readers' Views: Does the City of Sails need to change tack?

Yachts at Westhaven marina epitomise the 'City of Sails'

Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett seems to think Auckland needs a new nickname. Our readers, however, are not so sure. We asked them to send in their suggestions and here is a sample of their comments.

In response to your question in the Weekend Herald, I would like to suggest the following: "Auckland - Spirit of Adventure".
- Cheryl.

My family and I are currently spending 11 days in your city on a combined vacation/reconnaissance trip from the UK. This is our first visit to New Zealand and I must say that the image evoked by the "City of Sails" moniker was perfectly illustrative of the sight of numerous flotillas appearing off Princes Wharf on Wednesday evening in the sunshine. Accordingly, I would suggest that from an outsider's perspective the current strapline is on the money. However, your article in the Weekend Herald gave me pause for thought. "Auckland - A World Apart" encapsulates my intuitive reaction to your question. As an Englishman, Auckland is incredibly far from home, yet feels superficially incredibly similar to my home town of Southampton.
- Paul Mitchell, Princes Wharf.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Leave "City of Sails" alone. It is unique, it tells us where we are, what we live next to, and what a glorious gem we share with anyone coming here to see what all the fuss is about ...
- Jack C. Maddox, Northcote.

I was chairman of the Auckland Visitor Information Centre when we appointed Catherine Saunders as our first full-time director. Among Catherine's initiatives was the abandoning of the description of Auckland as "The Queen City" and replacing it with "The City of Sails". After a slow start this name has become synonomous with Auckland. If a change is to be made, let's hope that it will enhance Auckland's image to the world, and not be some mishmash of political correctness in an attempt to appease every interest group on the region.
- Peter Grayburn, Remuera.

My suggestion is that we leave it as is. Auckland has six large marinas (including Orakei being built). The number of yachts in Auckland - couple that by on average six people who serve as regular crew per boat - plus all the dinghies and trailer yachts and the involvement by Aucklanders is massive. There are many around who believe the only way they can be seen to be doing something is to change something but in this case it would getting rid of a good thing. So why do it? I think 90 per cent of Aucklanders have been proud of the name.
- Andy Wilgermein.

Try Googling "City of Sails" and you get 5,800,000, half Windy City's 11,400,000 in a fraction of the time. It's probably the most positive slogan for a city on the planet. However, if we need one to please Michael Barnett and the business community, how about "Town of Treadmills"?
- David Jorgensen, Mt Albert.

Auckland has for many years also been known as "The Queen City". As "the jewel in New Zealand's crown", this name is appropriate for New Zealand's greatest and most important city.
- M.L. Vidulich, Ponsonby.