Backing for Sir Peter's box

By ANNE BESTON

Supporters of a waterfront memorial to Sir Peter Blake are staunchly defending the project, saying supporters of buying an island instead had no interest in the world-famous sailor.

Auckland City Councillor Scott Milne said Aucklanders would still be interested in Sir Peter's life even if New Zealand never again won the America's Cup.

Mr Milne said the danger that Sir Peter's yachting exploits might not be a big drawcard in 25 years' time was a "valid question" that had been addressed "from day one".

"I think there's no doubt it's a challenge because he's dead," Mr Milne said. "But we think there's a far better chance with this than a bronze statue or a stretch of land."

Mr Milne said the exhibit could be "refreshed" so it did not become "old and stale".

The Herald has been swamped by reader support for an idea to buy the Hauraki Gulf's Kaikoura Island for $10 million.

Mr Milne said such a tribute had "merit" but was not accessible to the vast majority of city residents.

"This is not just a boat in a box, this is Auckland City's tribute to one of the great Aucklanders," he said.

"Many of the people who support the island's purchase have shown themselves to have little or no interest in the life of Peter Blake."

As well as suspending America's Cup-winning NZL32 over the harbour in a glass structure, the "interactive" exhibition would tell the story of Sir Peter's life.

Meanwhile Jim Dart, spokesman for the Forest Restoration Trust which has begun a campaign to save the island, dismissed criticisms of its wildlife value.

At twice the size of Tiritiri Matangi, which attracted thousands of visitors each year, Kaikoura could one day take some of the load off the smaller island, he said.

Mr Dart also shot down arguments by Mr Milne that Aucklanders could not easily visit the 564ha island.

"Just because I'm 75 years old and can't climb Mt Cook doesn't mean I'm not pleased it's there," he said.