Love it or hate it - it's an opportunity

THERE are some parallels between Wellington's Wellywood debate and the Hundertwasser project being planned for Whangarei's Town Basin.
Both are tourism projects to create points of difference that will enhance a visitor's trip. And both have international links.
Both have also caused critics to sneer - Hundertwasser is expensive and not "Kiwi" enough, and similar arguments have emerged against the Wellywood sign.
 A protest was held this week in Wellington: forty cars drove around the airport for an hour, honking horns and displaying anti-Wellywood signs.
We are yet to see similar protests for the Hundertwasser project but, given the anti-spending sentiment that exists in our community, there will no doubt be some form of expression. As there should be.
I think both projects should proceed. Wellywood is a cute take on the iconic movie sign and adds a feel-good factor to Wellington.
Hundertwasser is also a good idea but the community is having difficulty accepting it. Firstly, Whangarei's predominantly conservative community has always had difficulty accepting this type of project.
"Why not build our own arts precinct to attract tourists - why do we have to use a foreigner?" people ask. With the best (good)will in the world, our arts community does not have the pulling power of an international, let's call it a brand, like Hundertwasser.
He lived in Northland for two decades, but many people here have never heard of him. So naturally, there is a reaction to this "foreigner".
Then there is the cost - between $12 million and $13 million.
That's a lot of money - and ratepayers should not have to pay for it. So where does the money come from?
Central government should be contributing, given it's also a regional development project. Which suggests that the Northland Regional Council and one of its offshoots should also be contributing. The Hundertwasser Foundation should contribute handsomely given the role this centre will play in keeping the dead artist's legacy alive.
 Yet again, this project highlights the lack of a regional trust fund that is apolitical and able to provide funds for this sort of project. One is in the wings, ironically only after we ratepayers have paid to set it up, but the investment will be worth it.
Because if we already had one, the pressure would be coming off ratepayers (and therefore the council) regarding the cost.
But Whangarei has fallen behind other cities of comparable size when it comes to tourism infrastructure. So we need this.
Many of us cannot see beyond our rates bills on this one - but it requires lateral, futuristic thinking. A good portion of our community may not be around to appreciate the benefits this building will have in years to come, so it's no wonder they are struggling with the concept.
However, the fact that Hundertwasser was a curious-looking foreigner who designed odd-looking buildings should have no bearing on what we think. It's irrelevant.
If his name had been Charlie and we were building a chocolate factory with the same potential for Whangarei, it would still be a good idea.