The Placement of the Don Driver Southern Cross Mural at the New Air-Port Terminal.

Tom P from Lynmouth - Moturoa

Why is it that the local NPDC or Mayor appear to be not interested at all, on retaining in the Don Driver Southern Cross mural and historical painting, inside the new "Over the Top", costing air-port terminal? The mural was commissioned back in the late 60's as a historical, NZ important, acknowledgement, of the first ever powered air-craft landing, at a NZ place, of an over-sea's, departed air-craft.It appears to be blatantly one-eyed and ignorant, in its attitude of suggesting after some public outcry, that the mural concerned, may-be placed in a perplex cabinet, outside the terminal building. "Why" I ask?. The new build is 4 times lager than the present terminal, The local Puketapu sub-tribe, maori cultural narrative, which is costing the local rate payers a ridiculous $4.5 million dollars to have advice given about its need and set-up and display [ I bet the rate payers are paying for that as well] , does not need the total display space area. Sir Charles Kingsford -Smith's commemoration achievement on his flight across the Tasman Sea, at the very least, needs a prominent display, showing its importance of his landing at the Bell Block Aerodrome. There is a city wide petition now circulating about this issue. Please can you read and support it if you are inclined this way. This NPDC , other than 3 local Councillors, is ignoring the districts right to a better understanding of this local and NZ important memorial, piece of art. To keep this cultural narrative in perspective, should not the Waikato maori be given a display area in the terminal as well? They had cleared any local maori out of the whole district, for many many years, other than a few left at Ngamutu Beach. Thankfully they were saved by Dicky Barrett and a few brave whalers and maori associates? Just maybe the Hamilton rate Payers would like to support that happening by also giving $4.5 million towards a more open narrative?