10. Hon RICK BARKER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage
What is the status of the New Zealand Memorial Park project in Buckle Street, Wellington?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage) Link to this
The project is in the planning stage. The New Zealand Transport Agency is working with both central and local government to investigate Memorial Park improvements and will be undertaking full public consultation as part of the Basin Reserve improvement investigations. This Government is also taking the time to consult with Mt Cook School, the RSA, and the local community. This approach contrasts with that of the previous Labour Government, which wrote to Mt Cook School in August 2008, saying that it did not consider it appropriate for the school or the wider Mount Cook community to have any input into the decision-making process.
Does the Minister accept that seeing what resembles an abandoned tip, immediately after placing a flower on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, is a national disgrace, and what action is he taking to complete the work for a respectful memorial to those who gave their lives for this country—and now, I say to the Minister, is the right time to do the right thing?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
I agree with the member that that is a national disgrace, and that is why last week, for example, when I met with the representative from Mt Cook School I discussed some preparatory work, like asphalt removal. I agree with what the member said, in that we have to get on with the development. But, as I have said before to that member, we are not going to do it in some half-baked manner. It will be done properly.
Hekia ParataHon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
I have seen reports in which the previous Government said it was not appropriate for the local school or the Mount Cook community to have input into the decision-making process. I have seen reports that the Labour candidate for Wellington Central in 2008, Grant Robertson, tried to get the Government to reconsider that decision, but that he was told where to go. I have seen correspondence stating that the previous Minister refused to sign off on the design of the park, and wanted to revisit the options.
Grant RobertsonCan the Minister confirm that a design for the park that was acceptable to the Wellington City Council, central government, and the local school was agreed on late last year, and that his reason for not taking up that option was simply, as he told one person, that he did not want to do something just because it was Helen Clark’s idea?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
That would be a very good reason not to do anything. I can confirm that there was a plan. The plan is not acceptable. Further work needs to be done, further consultation needs to be done, and it will be done.
I seek leave of the House to table Cabinet minute 09/13/8(62), which says the Memorial Park project has been cancelled.
Mr SPEAKER