Erebus divisions

A small number of badly behaved protesters objecting about potential harm to an old po¯ hutukawa is how Adam Jacobson’s article (News,

November 28) characterised opponents to the Erebus memorial being sited in Sir Dove-Myer Robinson Park.

Besides the small team of protectors maintaining a peaceful presence at the site, a petition with over 12,000 signatures, including some from Erebus families and Nga¯ ti Wha¯ tua iwi, was presented to Parliament in May. With over 18,000 names now, that’s hardly a small number.

The petition outlines reasons why this small central city park is not an appropriate place for an 8-metre high, 17-metre long concrete and steel structure. One is that the park is the site of an ancient pa¯ , Mataharehare.

The article also overlooked Motat’s offer of an alternative site and the pending release of the ombudsman’s review of the processes used to select the Parnell one.

Audrey van Ryn, secretary, Civic Trust Auckland

Last summer my partner and I decided take a first-hand look at the proposed Erebus memorial site. Having, in my time, been on many marches, I felt ready to align with the passionate protesters of Parnell. As we were walking down through the Rose Gardens, we saw a number of ‘‘Save Our Trees’’ posters.

At the site we were approached by petitioners with clipboards. Visualising the placement of the ramped memorial in its intended context, I had to wonder what all the fuss was about. The design appears sensitively and gracefully integrated with the landscape. It is an ideal environment for contemplation and will enhance the experience of Dove-Myer Robinson Park.

We now know the magnificent po¯ hutukawa is in no danger and Nga¯ ti Wha¯ tua

O¯ rakei supports the project. It seems the protesters of Parnell co-opted our love of trees and respect for tangata whenua to

garner support for their unjustified and mean-spirited campaign.

Michael Smythe, Auckland