Plastic Waka? Prime Minister, was that a joke?

Sydney has its opera house, New York has its Statue of Liberty, while San Francisco has its Golden Gate Bridge.

Yet, in Auckland, we have decided to build a giant plastic waka for our waterfront. A pre-election bribe to the Maori Party, maybe?

The Government has decided that a repainted crumbling shed, and a giant glass slug (renamed the "cloud" by some clever marketing agency), will simply not be enough to entertain the thousands of rugby fans that are expected to grace our shores. So, they have forked out $2 million on a plastic waka, that in my opinion, would look more appropriate at Rainbows End, or in a Kmart car park.

The $2 million plastic waka.
Stuff (2011)

Instead of doing something meaningful, and permanent, we are once again failing to think of anything visionary. Personally, I think that the giant rubber duck used for the new Channel FOUR promotion would add more class to our waterfront than a giant plastic canoe.

Channel FOUR's giant inflatable rubber duck.
Throng (2011)

Even this giant lobster might look better.

The Giant Lobster, Kingston S.E, South Australia.
Mitchell, S. C (Author) (2009)

Our waterfront is starting to look like a jigsaw puzzle; one where the pieces do not connect with each other. Its a waste; Auckland's harbour is its most prized natural asset.

If there is one city Auckland should pay attention to, its Sydney (as crass as it may sound).

Sydney has a truly amazing waterfront. Its vibrant, and throbs with soul and energy. It hasn't been ruined by ugly apartments and drinking houses for the liberal elite. It is simply a place for everyone.

The centrepiece of Sydney's waterfront - the Opera House.
Mitchell, S. C. (Author) (2008)

Looking back towards the CBD from the Opera House.
Mitchell, S. C (Author) (2008)

The waterfront lit up in the 'Vivid' festival.
Clare, D. (2010)

Restaurants and shops alongside the waterfront.
Wall, D. (2007)

It incorporates parks, restaurants, transport facilities, culture and heritage. It flows beautifully too, being extremely pedestrian friendly.

The Royal Botanical Gardens, alongside the harbour's edge.
Mitchell, S. C. (Author) (2009)

Ferries in the harbour.
Mitchell, S. C. (Author) (2008)

Museum of Contemporary Art, on the water's edge.
Mitchell, S. C (Author) (2008)

And its still being developed.

Concept plan for Barangaroo.
NSW Government (2010).

This is the concept plan for Barangaroo, currently a large disused wharf that is situated between Darling Harbour and The Rocks. Clearly, it has more vision than what a plastic waka does. Once again, the proposed headland park, beside the proposed buildings, shows that it will be a place that everyone can come to.

Imagine if Auckland had placed its botanic gardens on the waterfront, instead of Manuwera?

If the Government wants to showcase Maori culture, they should direct people to Te Hana, in the north of the region. This is genuine. A plastic waka will be like a 'Dinseyland' interpretation of a Maori community.

So come on Auckland, do something beautiful.