Shark mural raises angry response
BY EMMA DANGERFIELD
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Kaikoura
The latest addition to the peninsula water tank has been met with mixed reactions, including anger among some who feel it is not relevant to Kaikoura and could deter potential customers from sea-based activity.
One group of operators feels so strongly about the mural's main feature, the six metre basking shark, that they have approached Kaikoura District Council calling for its removal.
The group, representing five different tourism based operators, wrote a letter to council raising concerns about the appropriateness of the shark in such a prominent position, and questioning its relevance to Kaikoura.
Dennis Buurman, owner of Encounter Kaikoura, said that in terms of a mural it was fantastic and a huge improvement on what had previously been there, except for the one "very large shark" which not many people would distinguish from any other kind of shark.
Mr Buurman said busloads of tourists visited the lookout as their first port of call and an enormous shark was not very comforting for those already nervous about open water.
It was not obvious that it was a non-threatening species and the group believed even the addition of a sign with details about the basking shark would still concern people.
A statement from Neroli Gold, of Spey Creek Trophy Hunting, was read to the council in which said she felt the shark did not fit with Kaikoura's iconic imagery of whales, and a statement from Vanessa Chambers, of Seal Swim Kaikoura said it had the potential to negatively affect people's experiences in the open water. She said marine enthusiasts would recognise the basking shark as harmless but to many a shark is a shark.
The work was intended to highlight the plight of the endangered species, however those concerned said a southern right whale would have been more in keeping with Kaikoura. Whale Watch operations manager Kauahi Ngapora said he agreed that a southern right whale would have made a more fitting centre piece, being more relevant to Kaikoura not only today but also historically as they were hunted extensively off the Kaikoura coast.
"This could have been another opportunity to showcase that where we once slaughtered these magnificent creatures to the brink of extinction we now advocate for their protection and conservation," he said.
The group also said they were extremely disappointed with the lack of consultation with interested parties, despite some of those being approached to sponsor the mural when it was first commissioned.
Dave Armstrong, of Kaikoura Helicopters, said it was sad that things had got so far down the track before the issue of the shark was addressed. He said input prior to the painting had been ignored and he put it to council to remove the shark and replace it with something more appropriate.
Councillors asked if funds would be available from those affected should the decision be to ask the artist to return and paint something else. Mr Armstrong said the lack of consultation would cancel out any offer of money from him.
However Lynette Buurman, of Encounter Kaikoura, said she felt it was appropriate to consult the artist in the first instance as it was the courteous thing to do.
Council asset manager Gallo Saidy said the decision to include the basking shark in the mural had been made by council before businesses were approached for funding.
They were not looking for suggestions or input into the design at that stage as the draft had been finalised. The project's objective was not to advertise to tourists but to highlight conservation issues.
The council agreed to have an in-depth discussion to consider the request before making a decision on the basking shark's future.
Have your say:
Should the shark stay or be removed from the tank? Text your views to 027 2281851 or email edangerfield@marlexpress.co.nz, responses in next week's issue..
- The Marlborough Express
