Hundertwasser:A man with vision?

For Whangarei residents whether you are for or against the proposal it is undeniable that a major discussion has been created. Supporters of the project have erected billboards at many locations in Central Whangarei. ’Whangarei Needs Hundertwasser’ they proclaim. The same supporters have taken full page advertorial in a local newspaper, ‘The Northern Advocate’ extolling the virtues of the project.

These are based on the findings of economic impact and feasibility studies carried out by consultants, Deloitte. Their modeling suggests that  the proposed development of HAC could generate $3.5m per annum into the local economy as a result of attracting an estimated 160,000 visitors per annum.

The project would make use of a building, the former

One of the Hundertwasser Sketches

Supporters insist that the building will be stunning artwork on a grand scale, which would immediately become one of New Zealand’s iconic buildings and could put Whangarei on the international stage. Many comparisons of its’ potential  impact  and significance have been drawn with other locations: The Eiffel Tower in Paris; Sydney Opera House; The Guggenheim Building in Bilbao, Spain being just a few examples. It should be noted here that opponents will point out that all of the places quoted are more easily accessible for international visitors compared with the remoteness of Whangarei and New Zealand The St Katherine’s dock area in London and Auckland waterfront development are quoted as examples of re-development which improves quality of lifestyle choices available for those in the area, or considering moving to the area..

The building would house original Hundertwasser artworks in its gallery with opportunities to house other artworks from prominent Maori artists and other artists from Northland. It would also include a café/restaurant which could appeal not just to paying visitors to the gallery, but also to visitors who haven’t paid for gallery admission as well as to local residents. Its’ location affords water views which should make it an appealing dining venue.

The centre is seen as a catalyst for economic growth for Whangarei and indeed the wider Northland region. It could be expected to give great impetus to the Town Basin. It is thought likely that other developments would be encouraged to progress in the area, an idea which is in alignment with WDC’s strategic vision for the city’s heart, and developing ‘a sense of place’

Model of the proposed Hundertwasser Art Centre

Headline benefits of the venture?

• Revitalisation of Whangarei Tourism Industry
• It would deliver a positive return on the investment in The District within a period of 4 years
• Encourage visitors to stay longer and stop Whangarei from being perceived as a stepping stone to the Bay of Islands and Far North
• It would create jobs, both during construction period and when completed and open to visitors(32)
• It could increase property values in the area which my result in increased rental streams for property owners in the Town Basin and CBD
• It would become a place for locals and tourists alike to enjoy
• It would complement other developments such as The Art Park, the Whangarei Art Museum and The Hatea Bridge

Of course there are two sides to every story. The proposal is not without significant risk. Deloitte’s report says that the project is particularly sensitive to visitor numbers as well as to increases and decreases in revenues and expenditures. If a number of negative variables impact simultaneously, the centre could require significant financial assistance, which would almost certainly have to come from WDC (thus the ratepayer), even if sponsorship or grant income could be obtained.

Headline Concerns?

• Availability of Car Parks and impact on traffic flows
• Whether the proposed location is best use of a valuable commercial location
• Can sufficient funding be obtained? Although Council’s plan considers it ‘unlikely that external funding would not be available’
• Will visitors pay to visit the gallery, or simply want to view the building?
• Would the centre attract repeat visitors? (This is particularly relevant to the domestic market)
• Local ratepayers have concerns ,notably:
  • about whether other issues should take greater priority
  • about the level of Council Debt
• Are there enough other attractions to keep visitors in the region busy for a whole day or longer?
• If the HAC fails as a venture, could the building be put to alternative use? It is by definition so ‘quirky’ that options would be very limited.
• How would the project impact on Kawakawa? The small town North of Whangarei is home to the famous Hundertwasser Toilets which during peak holiday season  attract as many as 14,000 people per week  according to  Studies
• Another development, the $20 million Hihiaua Maori Cultural Centre is also proposed on nearby land. Supporters will argue that Whangarei Art Museum along with these 2 new developments will complement one another. Critics will question whether visitor numbers will be sufficient to  ensure that all of them are economically viable.

The Northern Advocate has been  encouraging readers to share their views on the Hundertwasser Art Centre. A poll conducted via the newspaper’s website had more than 700 responses, of which 65% were in favour of the centre. Letters received were not as many, but produced a similar ratio against: over 10,000 words from readers have been published by the newspaper. The supporters Facebook page ‘Whangarei Loves Hundertwasser’  has obtained more ‘likes’ than the two pages set up in opposition. In his editorial April 25 2012, The Northern Advocate’s Craig Cooper states ‘As for the funding, it is clear from the submissions that with an economic development project such as this, there is huge unease at the cost to ratepayers. A project such as this is outside the expertise of our council. What the public want to see is more information beyond a report or two…a measured professional plan that communicates to ratepayers’

This writer is a fervent believer in the potential of the Whangarei District as a tourist destination. We already have major attractions along the Internationally acclaimed Tutukaka  Coast (eg Dive Tutukaka and Perfect Day) Steps have been taken to create a sense of place in the Town Basin through the canopy bridge and its Artisan’s markets. The Rugby World Cup showed what rich untapped potential there is . Whangarei ‘Love It Here’ is another  example of a positive initiative. Personally, and with unashamed bias,  I think far more could be made of the Whangarei Heads peninsula as an attraction. The recent Whangarei Heads Art Trail was a significant success, achieved with limited promotional funding. The beaches are superb, and there are so many beautiful tracks: why not have a major ‘Walk The Walks’ campaign to increase profile of the area?

So now the Council Hearings begin ,after which the plan will be finalised.What happens next?This blog will look to keep pace with developments in respect of Hundertwasser  Art Centre, and indeed in Whangarei Tourism generally. Watch this space!

Whether you like  or loathe the character, you have to applaud the effort to market this wonderful region to overseas tourists.That’s why we here on Whangarei Heads, just 2 hours drive North from Auckland, would be happy to welcome Bazza and any of  his fellow  tourists looking for contemporary luxury accommodation.If he enjoys the outdoors there’s plenty for him:golfing,walking,fishing,surfing..we’ve got all that and more.He might find the spectacular scenery and natural tranquility too much…

Have you seen him? He’s got his own Facebook page-http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bazza-From-Oz/343949895508?ref=ts&v=wall

Great excitement was caused by the recent visit to The Bay of Islands by Cunard Liner Queen Mary 2. Being based  as we are at Whangarei Heads, just a 90 minute drive away from Paihia, a major tourism venue in The Bay, it was too good an opportunity to miss.

It was an easy drive to find Paihia buzzing with activity. On past the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, I headed for a vantage point on the road through The Waitangi Golf Course.It must have been a difficult day for the golfers as it was clear that many others had the same idea as I did.This was obvious because many were carrying cameras rather than golf clubs! Incidentally the author had the pleasure of playing at Waitangi Golf club recently and it is worth the interest of any visiting golfers…

The Bay of Islands is beautiful at the best of times, but somehow the huge liner added to the  backdrop to produce something truly spectacular.

Many cruise ships visit the area throughout Summer, and of course in 2011 a number of them will be visiting during the course of the Rugby World Cup.These visitors bring a big boost to the local economy, as well as creating  live theatre for those of us fortunate enough to live in the area.

Spectacular landscape of Whangarei Heads

Flutes Luxury Accommodation Whangarei Heads New Zealand.That is simply an address,but there is so much more…
Whangarei Heads: the hidden gem of ‘Winterless’ Northland., is only 2 hours drive from Auckland and 20 minutes from Whangarei Airport This upcoming area is increasingly recognised as presenting visitors, from home and abroad, with a unique destination and holiday playground.

The ‘Heads’ are set on a spectacular peninsula nestled between sheltered bays of Whangarei Harbour and the golden sands of the renowned Ocean Beach on its Pacific Northern Coast. From both water and land the area has so much to offer that visitors need not venture far, although they may choose to make this their base for visiting other Northland attractions, most of which can be reached on day trips.

The area has an abundance of activities with surfing, swimming, fishing , kayaking, diving for the water enthusiast and on land golf, hiking ,horse riding or simply relaxing in this tranquil setting. Culture seekers will enjoy the local art galleries.

This nature lover’s paradise includes pristine coastal waters backed by native bush and towering volcanic peaks. The area is of national conservation significance including one of only five Kiwi sanctuaries in New Zealand as well as a Marine Reserve. It has a number of spectacular, and varied coastal walkways making it a popular venue for walkers of all capabilities .

Accommodation options include five star luxury, self-contained holiday homes, a holiday park , bed and breakfasts and holiday cottages-somewhere for everyone..

For more detailed information about the area consult the website www.whangareiheadstourism.co.nz, which includes a gallery of pictures which capture just some of the beauty of the area…but you really need to see it for yourself!

We will be posting testimonials here on our Reviews page. If you have stayed with us and would like to post up a review, please go to the page and leave your review in the Comments box.

Thanks and happy reading.

Kay and Andy