Over the last couple of months there have been an enormous number of words spoken regarding Marineland.
Some of the ideas promoted are simply ridiculous and others, whilst having merit, would simply be unaffordable in a town the size of Napier
Everyone is saying that we need a project that has the WOW factor. One political commentator suggests that we need to avoid installing a “least objectionable” or “most incremental” replacement for Marineland – we need a real sizzler.
Well the truth is – if we are going to undertake a commercial development on the Marineland site – it must be affordable. There is simply nothing wrong with settling for a new Ford or Holden if you can’t afford a Bentley – you will still have a good car, Tom.
Many would say that a council should not be involved in such a project – such projects should be left to private enterprise – and frankly I have real sympathy with that view. However, private enterprise would simply not be interested in a project the size of Marineland, just as they were not interested in the aquarium.
Napier needs these drawcards and if private enterprise won’t provide them, then we the humble ratepayers have a responsibility to do so.
We are a tourist town. A large portion of our economy is based around the tourist dollar.
There are plenty of things for adults to do. Pubs, restaurants, bars wineries, golf courses, scenic drives and more – all adult recreation. But what do we offer youngsters – what have we got for families?
Our city beaches are less than average – we lack protected water – if you sail out of the inner harbour your next stop is Chile – we need facilities that attract families to the region.
Management of the council’s own accommodation facility, Kennedy Park, tell us that attendances have dropped since Marineland closed. We are also told that visitors are terribly disappointed to find that Marineland is no longer available to them.
Hopefully, if the Napier City Council can get Marineland up and running in a way that we are all proud of then private enterprise will feel encouraged to follow in behind and provide other facilities to attract the tourist dollar to Napier.
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