Wanted - your views on a Rainbow Warrior memorial

Three days after it berthed in Auckland, the Rainbow Warrior was sunk by two explosions to the hull. Photo / NZ Herald

Friday will mark 30 years since the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, and the Ports of Auckland is seeking views from Aucklanders on a proposal to erect a memorial to commemorate the historic event.

The proposed memorial will be on Quay Street opposite Marsden wharf where the Warrior was bombed.

"The Rainbow Warrior is a piece of New Zealand's history and the port's history. We believe it's important to have a fitting memorial that remembers the day the Rainbow Warrior was bombed. We're putting forward a memorial design and seeking feedback from the people of Auckland", said Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson.

"We believe it is important that we establish a memorial for such a significant event in Auckland and the port's history."

The memorial, developed by environmental planners and design consultants Boffa Miskell, consists of a seat facing north and incorporates the bollard the Warrior's bow line was moored to when she was sunk.

It includes a description of events laser cut into a steel sheet, and will provide a place of reflection and a physical marker of the site of the sinking.

Rainbow Warrior skipper, Pete Willcox says "It would be nice to have something physical here at the Marsden wharf site to remind people walking by that this is where it was."

Greenpeace Executive Director, Bunny McDiarmid, adds: "I think the idea and concept proposed by the port is a very good one and I am hoping that the public will think so too."

The drawings can be viewed and feedback provided on the Ports of Auckland website (www.poal.co.nz).

The memorial plans also will be made available during an exhibition being held by Greenpeace at The Cloud in Auckland from July 10-12, where people will be able to submit feedback.

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