'Lighthouse' application wants public say blocked

The sculpture, based on a modest Mt Eden state house, measures 6.3m by 8.3m and is 6.7m high. Photo / Supplied

An application to build the controversial $1.5 million "lighthouse" sculpture on Queens Wharf has recommended not giving the public a say.

The public artwork will have a positive effect on people's interest and enjoyment of Queens Wharf and the wider waterfront, says a resource consent application.

Among the objectives are for the artwork to be eye-catching, draw people to the wharf, be the best of its kind and integral to defining the identity of the "people's wharf", says the application.

The sculpture, based on a modest Mt Eden state house, measures 6.3m by 8.3m and is 6.7m high. It will sit on a wooden plinth 800mm high at the eastern end of the wharf.

The sculpture, by Michael Parekowhai, has impressed art critics, but attracted widespread public criticism.

Several local politicians, including Auckland councillors Mike Lee and Chris Darby and Waitemata Local Board chairman Shale Chamber, have called for the application to be publicly notified.

Mr Lee said the council "should stop being so bloody arrogant and at least publicly notify the resource consent to let people voice their views on whether this controversial artwork should go in this prime site on Queens Wharf".

The council was taking a similar approach to Ports of Auckland building wharf extensions against public opposition, he said.

The consent application said the work had been designed and located to ensure it did not affect public access, adversely affect the use of the wharf as a cruise ship terminal or impact on the wharf's heritage values.

The application will be heard by an independent planning commission and has the written support of Waterfront Auckland and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on behalf of the Crown as half-owner in the wharf.

The artwork is being funded by a $1 million donation by real estate firm Barfoot & Thompson and other private donors.