Viewing the interior of the controversial ‘waka' - however interesting - misses the point. The reasons for disapproval have been listed by countless citizens.

So, will we test our democracy, and who'll bell the cat?

The project makes a mockery of the sincerity of Maori, who purport to treasure the seashore and seabed.

How does this mercenary project serve that?

But far more urgent is the long ongoing neglect - years - of the impressive genuine waka, securely housed and on display on The Strand extension, in a place where it's viewed by the odd tourist, visitors to the Moana building and the general public.
It's impressive, but a disgrace to allow it to remain so unkempt. It has a tangible ‘presence'.

To my memory, it has never looked cared for - shameful in the circumstances - grimy, dusty, liberally bedecked with sparrow droppings, worn paintwork, while the pebbled ground needs tidying.

Does it suddenly ‘morph' into a taonga when required for some event.

Then lapse into dusty neglect the rest of the time?

Why not select a group of reliable youngsters with the capacity to be inspired, train them under careful supervision,to meticulously clean the waka, and where necessary refresh the paintwork and tidy the ground. Then follow this with a regular programme to maintain the condition.

There is much more that would inspire interest, like a good noticeboard, relating some of its history and other informative facts; and on really dark days, why not switch on the fluorescent lights around the ceiling?

Surely, such an undertaking would awaken a genuine pride and appreciation in the young folk, plus who knows what other potential such as respect for effort, and unthought of ideas.

D Holm, Otumoetai.