WELLINGTON, New Zealand (26 August 2006) -- An opponent of a proposed Wellington aquarium says three dead seahorses found washed up nearby are a sign Maori "guardian forces" are against the plan. Actor Toa Waaka presented the dead fish during his submission against the $20.4 million aquarium, saying they were a significant sign the project should not proceed. "This can be referred to as He Tohu o Nga Atua – a sign from the guardian forces," Mr Waaka told the resource consent hearing yesterday. "These three taonga (treasures) alerted my attention . . . When these signs show up they tell us to take heed and listen to the land and the people." Mr Waaka suggested the dead seahorses were tohu, a message or warning. This was dismissed by other Maori, who said they had not heard of the seahorse being significant. Mr Waaka, who identified himself as Ngati Toa, Te Ati Awa, Ngati Raukawa and Kahui Tara, gave evidence as part of a group of southern suburb residents against the development of Te Raekaihau Pt, the site for the proposed development. His submission included concerns that the aquarium discharge would affect the gathering of kaimoana and that the proposal paid only "lip service" to the rights of local iwi. | | GUARDIAN FORCES: Toa Waaka made a submission that three dead seahorses was a sign against a controversial aquarium being built in Wellington. (ANDREW GORRIE/Dominion Post) The aquarium's developer, the Wellington Marine Conservation Trust, said yesterday that the project enjoyed widespread support from local Maori, including the Wellington Tenths Trust and iwi from Ngati Toa, the Kapiti Coast and the top of the South Island. Wellington City councillor and aquarium advocate Ray Ahipene-Mercer, of Ngai Tara, said: "There have been many hundreds of seahorses washed up on the coast because of all the storms, and there is, quite frankly, no other meaning that can be attributed to the three seahorses." SOURCE - Stuff |
