Editorial: Plastic waka bad fit for city

Some of the concerns about Waka Maori are its authenticity. Photo / Paul Estcourt

As part of the plan to revitalise the central city, a proposal is under way to bring a 75-metre waka to Tauranga's waterfront.

A feasibility study is being undertaken to work out the costs, where it could go and whether it would actually be worth it.

There's been a bit of debate in this newsroom about the plastic-looking waka, and central city retailers and business owners also seem to have a mixed reaction.

One concern is the loss of carparks, while others are worried about the obstructed view.

The Waka Maori was built during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and was taken to San Francisco for the America's Cup.

Some of the concerns about Waka Maori are its authenticity. It doesn't exactly look like a waka and could look a bit more cultural.

When it was built, the Waka Maori came under criticism from several people who said it looked like a plastic kitchen utensil and it was later called tupperwaka, a name which seems to have stuck.

One of the ideas being floated for the Waka Maori was using it to house the Battle of Gate Pa exhibition.

Pukehinahina Charitable Trust project director Buddy Mikaere says bringing the waka here is a "terrific" idea.

He says the Waka Maori fits in with the idea of what Tauranga is all about as a marsh link between land and sea.

Tauranga City councillors are now waiting for the feasibility study to be completed before making any decisions.

Bringing the Waka Maori to Tauranga could be a great tourist attraction, but is the waterfront really the best place for it?

At 75m it isn't exactly small and if you were having dinner on the Strand it would be the only thing you could see.

I like the idea of the Waka Maori being an attraction and an exhibition and events venue, but I just wish it didn't look so fake.