Don't turn warrior into nancy boy, begs sculptor

FUTURE LANDMARK? An artist's drawing of the Maori warrior planned for Ngaruawahia. The $2 million, eight-metre high statue would be one of the biggest bronze statues in the Western world.

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Waikato Maori say a massive bronze statue of a Maori warrior planned for Ngaruawahia is too aggressive.

However, the designer of the eight-metre-high statue, Wellington sculptor Denis Hall, warns that softening the warrior's features would turn him into a "nancy boy".

The debate has pitched local Maori against project designers since details of the size, shape and cost were revealed by The Dominion Post in October.

The warrior would be one of the biggest bronzes in the Western World. At an estimated cost of $2million, the statue would occupy 100 square metres, and have a bronze skin two centimetres thick.

It is part of Waikato District Council's plan to make Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori King, the cultural heartland of New Zealand.

Though it has been three years in the planning – including Tainui involvement in a planning committee – the design is under fresh attack.

Local resident and Tainui woman Gloria Tukere said the concept of a warrior on his haunches in battle mode had already been rejected by many local Maori.

"We are looking for something more peaceful, with a bit of dignity and respect. That thing looks like it wants to kill everybody that looks at it. It's aggressive and we don't need to support something like that."

When the project went public, Ngaruawahia's council representative, Tainui woman Moera Solomon, said Maori were not trying to derail the plan but time for debate and consultation with Maori had just begun.

Funding would not come from rates, but would be sought from sponsors and possibly Tainui.

Hall hit back at the criticisms. "Creating a warrior and not having him aggressive is ludicrous really. Isn't the haka about aggression?

"Do you want me to turn him into a nancy boy?"

Ngaruawahia community board chairman Bryce Sherson, who developed the concept, said local Maoridom appeared to be divided on the project.

"We have had Tainui involvement from day one so there can be no claim of not being consulted ... The `too aggressive' claim just does not stack up.

"It would take a very brave person or group to say we have to make this guy smile or that the project will not even be able to happen."