savethepoint.org.nz

Page 3 of What do people think...

Marine Education Centre desecrating outstanding area

Te Raekaihau Point has been a significant place for me since I was three or four years old. There are many more suitable places to build a Marine Education Centre without desecrating one of the outstanding areas of the South Coast. Such a project would end up destroying what it is trying to promote. Thanks for your your efforts to stop this happening.

Oliver Sheehan, Northland, Wellington
posted via Website, December 27, 2004

Worthwhile Cause

Save The Point is an exceedingly worthwhile cause and I applaud your efforts. I have seen a copy of your 2005 calendar and I am sending off to purchase a couple of copies of an outstanding production.

All good wishes for the vision and efforts you plan for 2005. I certainly hope that your cause is successful.

Margaret A Rogers, Wairarapa
posted via Website, December 27, 2004

`IT IS SO CLOSE TO GET SO FAR'

We drive around our south coast several times a day taking my kids to school at Seatoun. There is a shorter way but this way is extra special. It is never the same, .kei te riri a Tangaroa,.(the sea is angry) I say to my kids. Other days Tangaroa is marino(the sea is peaceful) and the colours are always different. Same with the sky and the different shades of blue of the mountains all moving and changing.I make a point of never going into robot mode. never taking it all for granted..

For the last fifty years, every day I have gone to that same wild coast for it is so close to get so far.almost as if I.m called, Tangaroa is after all our distant, ancient Hawaiki.

These days as I can no longer fish and dive or even walk, I find one of my favourite spots, stop, wind down the window so I can hear and smell Tangaroa also the sounds of seagulls and have a snooze.it.s my church.

The proposal to erect a five story fish bowl with car parks to match is in the centre of our best drive in the world.it is plunging a stake into the pure wild heart of our city.when all the signs of this enlightened age are flashing wrong way.

For the Wellington City Council to even consider the proposal is bad enough. By using our rates money for this proposal they have forced us all into the dark ages because we are now all party to it. We are the unwilling part of this violation of an untouched innocent foreshore who has no voice of her own. Why this innocent child.don.t touch

Tapu..leave only footprints.take only photographs..

There are many other used places where those of us who feel inclined can wipe the bums of tourists while they look at the zooed fish.

While the debate over the seabed and foreshore is still white hot, here we have our local branch of governance The Wellington City Council showing why they cannot be trusted with the Kaitiakitanga (guardian nurturer caretaker)of our seabed and sea shore. It is becoming more and more evident that the waving of the tourist dollar has exposed the monster in some of them.

Joe Bloggs public is a better watchdog. I will join you in protest brother Simon Baumfeild, in my wheelchair, they can leave bulldozer marks up both our backs.

Instead we should declare Raekaihau Tapu and erect a pouwhenua to stand there as a guardian.it should face inwards because that is where the enemy lurks.

Bruce Stewart Tapu Te Ranga Marae Island Bay
21 December 2004

Thank You

Thank you for a wonderful calendar to publicise the "Save the Point" campaign. I can't understand why anyone would want a building on the point: it just doesn't make sense!
Thanks for all your work.

Shirley Hampton, Island Bay
posted via Website, December 14, 2004

Congratulations

Congratulations on your calendar and this web site. Thank goodness for a well organised group to co-ordinate the saving of this point. You have our full support.

Ifor & Clare Owen, Island Bay, Wellington
posted via Website, November 7, 2004

Don't Destroy Beauty

As a visitor to Wellington I was taken to see this beautiful spot and would despair if it was destroyed by that ugly and unnecessary development so others could not enjoy it as much as I did.

Sue Wright, Auckland
Posted via Website, August 30, 2004

A source of information

In order to teach future generations to cherish and conserve our rock pools and marine life, there are members of Wellington City Council who are willing to despoil one of the natural, rugged, yet accessible points on the south coast - Te Raekaihau Point. These councillors are even willing to give ratepayers' money to get the project going. The marine education centre was a source of information and gave great pleasure to my grandchildren. We would all like to see something similar built again, but not at the expense of the very terrain it is supposed to help us conserve and appreciate.

Irene Fagan, Island Bay
The Wellingtonian, July 29, 2004

Council Spending

I see the Council is to contribute ratepayer funds for a resource consent application to an ill conceived project on the South Coast. Council appears to have no policy on funding resource consents like this, suggesting instead that these projects receive appropriate consideration during the course of their way through Council circles. All thse projects seem to be justified by Council on extravagant claims and also on dubious tourism potential. Let's keep the South Coast free from such unattractive developments. Good luck to those opposing this one.

Carol Quirk, Opotiki
Posted via Website, July 26, 2004

Agreeing with the idea, not the location

Like many of your correspondents, I agree that a Marine Education Centre would be an asset for Wellington, not only for its educational and conservation merits, but also as a tourist attraction.

I do not, however, agree with the proposed site at Te Raekaihau for two reasons.

Most of the point itsef is still in a natural condition and should remain so. It is a highly visible landmark that can be seen from several miles away whether you be on land, sea or in the air.

It would not benefit from anything being built on it no matter how worthy the reason. On a fine summer's day parking at Princess Bay is already at a premium. Where will the extra cars (and presumably buses) park?
On the already narrow, winding road?

Might I sugest that a site at Arthur's Nose, a few hundred metres towards Lyall Bay, be considred?

If the existing road could be diverted through the old Maranui quarry/council depot (is this land still publicly owned?), a huge area would be available.

Despite recent efforts to rehabilitate Arthur's Nose (neatly battered, uniformed-sized, quarried rocks look about as natural as a skyscraper in a rainforest) the area has been developed and will never revert to a natural state.
It also has the advantage of being close to public transport and existing services - power, water, phone etc.

You will note from my address below that I live locally. (I can see most of Te Raekaihau from my window) and if this letter makes me a nimby - well so be it.

JP Josling, Houghton Bay
Cook Strait News, Tuesday 26 July 2004

Nothing beats our natural beauty

Having grown up and lived in island Bay for more than 70 years, I have very strong feelings for the coastal area here and am convinced there is nowhere else in Wellington to compare with the stretch of unspoiled coastline between Owhiro and Princess bays, which includes the point. Over about 40 years I intermittently worked at full or part-time jobs in the Miramar-Rongotai area and always travelled around the coast to get there. As most working mothers with families would concur, no matter how organised one thinks one is, there are frequently days when you leave home feeling either homicidal or suicidal - you feel completely stressed out and "yes, that's it, this is the end". That is until you reach the waterfront and leave behind the built up area, pass the old bait house and head towards Houghton Bay. Subconsciously you begin to relax, the tension eases and you reach Hungerford Road (Houghton Bay). Quicker over the hill?

Forget it, all there is to see to your right is seawater, breakers and perhaps a few divers. A bit further out the back of Tapu Te Ranga Island and across Cook Strait, you can see Orongorongo, Kaikoura and perhaps a ferry. In the other direction are the constantly changing Tararuas. Around bends, past The Pines and there it lies, the point rugged, unspoiled and beautiful, nothing else to be seen. Suddenly, God's in his heaven and all's right with the world, gosh, you think, "I'm so lucky to be alive". I have nothing against a Marine Education Centre provided it is within the Lyall Bay area or further. Have they considered the old WCC maintenance ground near Hungerford Road in Lyall Bay? It could be connected to the rather bland and uncluttered park opposite by an interesting ramp of some type, and the park developed with rock pools etc. I've said my piece.

Sherley Lye, Island Bay
Cook Strait News, July 19, 2004

Time to listen to what the community wants

Perhaps the proposed gift shop and bar at the proposed MEC development at Te Raekaihau Point should stock large quantities of 'Uncle Victors Industrial Strength Snake Oil' such has been the cult of personality that has emerged as the prime motivational driver for many of the supporters of the destruction of this magnificent natural asset.

I wonder if K Spears and B Mahalski have actually been to the site following such absurd assertions that there are no rock pools on Te Raekaihau Point ! They then further discredit their argument with the
rather bizarre claim that the MEC development will return the site to a more 'natural condition' ? As if that is not enough they go on to say that admission to the center will be based on the price of the movies
and in the same breath refute Sunita Singh's claim that admissions to the MEC will be in the $40 to $55 range for families !!

The cold hard facts are that the local community have overwhelmingly rejected the proposed development at Te Raekaihau Point.

For me one of the great things about Wellington is the vision our forefathers had in creating the town belt which has now become interwoven with the lifestyle and values that defines us as Wellingtonians. Lets now show the South coast the same foresight and respect.

Neil Saban, Kilbirnie
Cook Strait News, Tuesday 5 July, 2004

The facts about proposed centre

I write to express my opposition to the building of the jproposed Marine Education Centre on Te Raekaihau Point, and in support of Sunita Singh's letter (Cook Strait News, May 24), which has caused an oupouring of misinformed reaction.

Fact: Te Raekaihau point is surrounded by rock outcrops, low tide rock pools and small bays, which terminate in beaches comprising coarse sand gravel.

Fact: No significant proven modification has happened apart from the dumping of fill on the earthquake raised terraces.

Fact: The majority of the Point will be taken over by the development which does not stop at the building and carpark but extends to parts of the foreshore as per the developer's landscape plan. This landscape plan involves excavation of the existing beach and foreshore, the construction of fake rockpools and a fake rock garden on the western storm beach.

Fact: a multi-storey building and huge raised car park is planned for the seaward side of the road.

Fact: users and ratepayers will be charged directly through entry fees or through Council and Education Department grants. Currently Council is considering a $120,000 supplementary application for funding under the Annual Plan by the Marine Education Trust for their resource consent.
(This late application in effect excludes public consultation on such use of ratepayers' funds).

I believe that the real driver of this development is not marine education but rather the desire by Council and a small group of developers to capture tourist dollars. This contradicts Council's primary management plan objective: To protect and enhance the coastal character of Wellington's South Coast. (South Coast Management Plan).

G. Dench, Melrose
Cook Strait News, Tuesday 5 July, 2004

We deserve the truth

Please tell us what you are talking about. How dare you sir.

A couple of letters published in your last edition claiming that Sunita Singh of the Save the Point group had given wrong information were remarkable for their viscosity.

Quite simply, they failed to tell us just what information might be wrong. How can we correct anything when we don't know what the complaint is about?

In actual fact, members of this group have put in many, many days of hard work, prying out scraps of information about the proposed aquarium on Te Raekaihau Point from sexcretive promoters and have put this before the public at every opportunity.

In the process we have corrected quite a few points in the proponents' presentatons, and many in the audience have been shocked to learn the full truth.

I call on the writers of those letters do do two things. First apologise for that cowardly attack. Then, if there is some fair criticism, please tell us what you are talking about.

John Robinson, Island Bay
Cook Strait News, Tuesday 5 July 2004

Is it an orchestrated campaign?

The letter from Save the Point member Sunita Singh on the proposed location of the Marine Education Centre at Princess Bay was a powerful, evocative reminder of what will be lost should the centre be built there. Thus it is not surprising that the subject of the letter should attract a record number of letters to the editor, with two expressing opposing views published. As we live in a democracy it is right that alternative views should be expressed, but the similarities in the concluding sentences of both letters, basically accusing Sunita of telling untruths, suggests an orchestrated campaign to discredit those who have a different view. While anyone who visited the Island Bay Marine Education Centre cannot deny the enthusiasm shown by Victor and Judy, this does not translate into a right to insist on a location on the coast itself rather than the other side of the road. As a country we are all too easily giving up unique natural features in an apparent rush to look like every other developed country. Silverstream resident Steven Kennedy's statement that the centre would be a "huge improvement" to this part of the coast could only be said by someone who doesn't live in the bay area and value its natural, undeveloped features.

S Fletcher, Island Bay
Cook Strait News, June 21, 2004

Me, I am against it

How sad that the supporters of the proposed Marine Education Centre have abandoned any attempt at wit or reason and chosen instead to employ personal insults and abuse in a vain attempt to discredit the huge local opposition to the destruction of Te Raekaihau Point. I congratulate Councillor Bryan Pepperell for his stand against this blatant desecration for the sake of education. The Island Bay Residents' Association and Southern Environmental Association meetings rejected the MEC proposal. The trustees of the MEC stated no public funds would be sought to upgrade the bait shed, yet they have requested $20,000 from the grants committee within a month. They now seem set to ask for huge amounts of public money in order to fund their upcoming planning battle. Enough is enough. This has become a bottomless funding bucket and it hasn't even been approved yet!

I for one would like to know what will the management fees and operating costs be for this proposal? What is the value of the human resources employed by council on behalf of the MEC trust? What visitor numbers are required for the MEC to break even? Who will own the facility if the facility or trust falls over? Should we, as Geoff Park asks in his book Nga Uruora, "stay bound to dogma that wild nature has no place in land that can produce profit".

Simon Baumfield, Houghton Bay
Cook Strait News, June 14, 2004

A constructed experience?

People don't need or want a constructed experience of the coast. A marine education centre will destroy the sorts of experiences it ostensibly seeks to foster by alienating people from the elements. We need to belong to places that are actively experienced as sacred. Enough of our lives and relationships with nature and with each other are mediated economically.

Rebecca Frost, Waitaha Cove
Posted via Website, June 11, 2004

Wellington Rover say no to MEC!

Despite the fact that the aquarium would be good for our tour business (we run tours of the south coast) we at Wellington Rover are opposed to the development as we feel the coast is particularly special for its natural, unspoilt beauty. How rare is this in today's world, particularly in a capital city?

Sarah, Lyall Bay
Posted via Website, June 8, 2004

Counting the Cost of Marine Education

I wonder if Charles Martin (Cook Strait News, May 10) would be moved to shout `yipee' if he, and others in his position with families, knew that they would be paying between $40 and $55 to visit the Marine Education Centre and aquarium? Kelly Tarltons current charge for families is $55.

At the moment they can go to the Point any time, and as often as they like, for free.

They can visit the rock pools and examine the local life in their natural habitat and be filled with wonder, or they can swim, play in the sand, sunbathe or just picnic - some of the things that people like to do there at the moment. Of course, if and when the Marine Education Centre gets built, Mr Martin will still be able to do the above except that he may no longer want to because the natural, wild qualities of the Point will have been destroyed and overwhelmed by a five-storey building with huge car parks flanking it. Sitting on the beach, having a picnic, sunbathing will no longer be the same because of the monolith behind; the looming concrete walls holding up the car park within metres of the tidal zone. The entire bulk and coastal edge of the Point will be taken over. Recreation options will be confined to the Princess Bay end only. Privacy will be a thing of the past as will that magic feeling of being in some remote, unspoilt landscape just minutes from a city. However, Mr Martin may be one of the few who prefer to have concrete walls, hundreds of cars, buses, sterile car parks just metres from our precious small sandy and cobbled beaches. Fortunately most people don't.

Sunita Singh, Save The Point Member, Melrose
Cook Strait News, May 24, 2004

Marine Centre no go on sea side of road

How much more of the coast does the Marine Education Centre want to develop to teach us to respect the environment? They already propose developing the Island Bay Surf Club and Bait Shed as temporary facilities, while they blast the guts out of Te Raekaihau Point to accommodate this latest monolith, all on the seaward side of the road - an emphatic no-no under current planning legislation. To compromise the natural character of such a wonderful wild stretch of coast so close to the city under such a cynical "green veneer" is the ultimate irony. As Ms Hutt so clearly stated: "It is gorgeous - but that is one of the reasons we want to build the centre there!"

Marietta Wilkinson, Island Bay
Cook Strait News, May 17, 2004

The Height of Stupidity

Te Raekaihau Point is one of the most beautiful spots on Welington's entire southern coast, with a superb view of the Kaikouras, and one of the best places to observe the sunset. My friends and I go there frequently on summer evenings for this very purpose. It would be an outrage, and the height of stupidity and insensitivity, if any structure were to be erected on this area of spectacular natural beauty. There are many other building sites which would be less harmful to the environment.

J.B. Cronin, Wadestown
Posted via Website, May 13, 2004

Education Centre a Murky Problem

I read with interest that there is to be an aquaculture facility proposed for the former Karehana Bay qarry site at Plimmerton, and yet the proponents of the MEC on the south coast say the former quarry site at Owhiro Bay would be unsuitable because of the poor water quality caused by quarrying operations. Curious isn't it?

For my money, I would believe those planning the Karehana Bay venture as it seemed to be based on sound business principles.

Tui Leonard, Island Bay
Cook Strait News, May 3, 2004

Marine Proposal Wrong

I am an avid supporter of the work of VictorAnderlini and Judy Hutt. However the more I find out about the proposed Marine Education Centre the more I conclude it is ill conceived. A visible structure, including the large car park, is both unnecessary and profoundly insensitive. Also, we must see the research showing how it will meet its education objectives. I believe the present proposal will contribute to a further `dumbing-down' of our schools by `environmental education'. How? Well, for instance, ocean experts now know how thermal transfer in the oceans and the atmosphere drive each other. It is vital for each one of us to understand this - it could be the survival of humanity depends on this knowledge. Increasing evidence links our burning of fuels with added thermal transfers in the atmosphere and this could explain why the poles are melting. The melting is resulting in additional freshwater at key points in our oceans, affecting vital currents. This combined with the growing temperature differences between lower level air and stratospheric air could trigger catastrophic storms our civilisation cannot even conceive of. So what is the dominant lesson in the "hidden curriculum" of the current design of the Education Centre? Keep burning the same, children. On balance the present proposal seems set to do more damage than good to the environment. Our children need a Marine Education Centre, that is one.

Dave McArthur, Wellington
Contact, April 29, 2004

Seaward side a no no!

I oppose any structure on the seaward side of the road anywhere along the south coast. In principle I support a marine education centre but do not agree with the need for a food outlet to accompany the proposed centre.

Katherine Stephens, Kilbirnie
Posted via Website, April 26, 2004

Good idea, wrong place

I am writing in support of comments made by Brendon Bonner (Cook Strait News, March 22). I appreciate the unspoilt scenery and would not support a marine centre at Te Raekaihau point either. However, the marine centre vision does not conflict with the country having a national chain of marine reserves. I am writing to highlight that a national chain of marine reserves is the only viable option we have left of saving New Zealand's natural coastline. Notable marine scientists report the NZ coastline as having undergone serious species depletion and habitat degradation. They propose 10 percent of the coastline needs to be put aside from any form of human interference. Ten percent is the given `reserve figure', required to recover stock levels back to health, and shore species play a vital role in the open seafood chain. We need to give marine reserve status to 10 percent of the coastline for any improvements to be measurable nationally. Marine reserves are the best, most effective tool for marine protection and education. What Kiwi wouldn't care enough about what goes on in the waters around? We need to be serious about protecting the natural coast for a far-sighted goal of ensuring the fisheries' sustainability. This relatively unmodified natural coastline containing significant representatives of marine life and natural interests needs marine reserve status now.

Max Marshall, Island Bay
Cook Strait News, April 26, 2004

Development 'Out of Control'

Having come across Te Raekaihau Point and the adjoined coastline quite by chance yesterday, I was horrified to see the drilling machine! The workers would not divulge who they were working for and did not seem to have any authorisation for their actions. Their prescence alone in this exceptionally, wild and stunning setting was an ugly reminder of New Zealand's out of control 'development doom'. I have been involed recently with a similar fight against mindless and short sighted destuction up in the Whangapoa region of the beautiful (but diminishing) Coromandel Peninsula. As a descerning and concious visitor/contributor in your country I can unequivically state that other visitors like me Do Not wish to see such wildness as this carelessly squandered, be it in the name of profit or education. It seems obvious that there are other sites more suitable in the area. I wish you the best of luck with yur opposition. I will spread the word as I travel South and hope to send you back some fifteen submissions.

Nadia Hillman, Karori
Posted via Website, April 20, 2004

Learn from Overseas Mistakes

It would be a great pity to see development at this presently unspoilt area of Wellington's south coast. I was in Kaikoura recently, and was thinking about the balance between so-called eco-tourism and a horrible spoiling of the natural beauty of the place. Every time I visit Kaikoura there seem to be more cafes, hotels and the like, and less emphasis on the dolphins, whales and seals. The wonderful, unpoilt peninsula track may apparently soon see some high-rise development; Marine Drive is choked with nose-to-tail vehicles and I wouldn't be surprised if the sea mammals go away in disgust! My daughter was recently at Niagara Falls - the area is noted not just for waterfalls but for massive hotels, amusement centres and the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum! Do we want this sort of thing for Wellington? Surely not. Similarly, the Karori Wildlife Centre should be about providing a place for wildlife to flourish - not building expensive visitor centres and the like. New Zealand's wild and natural areas have been disappearing far too quickly under concrete and tarseal. We need to keep as much as possible in its natural, unspoilt state. Otherwise we risk losing what we most cherish.

Patricia Reesby, Karori
Posted via Website, April 17, 2004

Keep the wild coast wild

I support a marine education centre - but not where the geology and spirit of the place is still intact! Keep the wild coast wild.

Fergus Wheeler, Paekakariki
Posted via Website, April 11, 2004

Waitaha Cove - a perfect solution?

When I go from Houghton Bay to Lyall Bay there is a moment when I can see clear accross Te Raekaihau Point to the sea and mountains beyond and feel tahta I am out in the country - an amazing view to have in a city environment.

I do support a Marine Education Centre, however, not at Te Raekaihau Point.

A bit further along the coast near what is called Waitaha Cove on the seaward side of the road, there is a big flat piece of land poking out into the sea. has anyone considered this?

As an added bonus it is only 200 metres from the Lyall Bay bus terminus.

Brendon Bonner, Island Bay
Cook Strait News, March 22, 2004

Assertion a bit rich

Ian Athfields's frown of aesthetic disapproval at his ill-proportioned, gawky nikau recently erected at the airport, is a bit rich considering his proposed five story monstrosity for Te Raekaihau Point. How dare he stamp his crude concrete brand on this wild open headland? As Wendell Berry said in the unsettling of America, "we need places that we forbear to change... places that we accept as influences upon us and not the other around..."

Nick Dryden, Island Bay
Contact, March 18, 2004

Keep Fighting

Please keep fighting to save development in this gorgeous spot. As a Wellingtonian by birth, I say save the wild and open spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Rosie Stamper, California
Posted via Website, March 15, 2004

Know When to Draw the Line

Dont blur the lines of the city limits and our great city getaway, the south coast. Coastal development is enough of a scourge as it is. We should know when to draw the line. Wellington is an on to it city so lets allow common sense to prevail. I would have though the an environmental eudcation facility would look to protecting the environment not destroying it. Nothing against the project in principal, but just find an appropriate place!

Brent Tandy, Karori
Posted via Website, March 13, 2004

Cate Blanchett Comments

�The landmass is so young, so savage, so untamed, so unruly � all of which makes it so special.�

Cate Blanchett, �Galadriel� in Peter Jackson�s The Lord of the Rings, describing the uniqueness of Aotearoa New Zealand and its appeal for overseas visitors, quoted by Psychology professor Ngahuia Te Awekotuku of Waikato University on National Radio.

Te Raekaihau Point is part of that specialness. Let�s keep it that way.

Linda Pears, Karori
Posted via Website, March 12, 2004

Food for Thought

Your website makes a convincing argument for locating the centre elsewhere. The feeling of open space (inside a house or out in nature) is given by clear sight-lines. Whether building a 5-storey thing on the South Coast or gondolas in the South Island, this is the principle at stake for many visitors.

Kieron Horide-Hobley, Southgate
Posted via Website, March 11, 2004

Open Letter to Marine Education Centre Proprietors

Dear Judy and Victor, I was at the SEA meeting last night. I have been proud to take various people through the marine laboratory you have made into such an impressive place. For instance:

• Frail elderly - to reconnect with natural sea world in an accessible location
• Overseas homestay students(often Asian) to exhibit our respect and enjoyment of the seaside and its creatures
• My granddaughter - to learn about, respect and enjoy sea creatures in a child friendly place

It is beyond my understanding why you would want to build a large structure on an unspoiled natural landform, to remove the focus from the rock pools to a large scale artificial environment that will coast an entrance fee suited to tourists but not to The People. Please reconsider!

Annette Moffat, Island Bay
Posted via Website, February 27, 2004

Geological Significance of Te Raekaihau Point

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a geology professor who, together with my post-graduate students and colleagues, has been conducting scientific research on the timing, size, and effects of large paleoearthquakes in New Zealand, including those in the Wellington and Marlborough regions. In the context of these studies, and based on my general knowledge of active tectonic processes, I would like to make a personal statement about the scientific and historical significance of the wave-cut platform on the South Wellington Coast, known as Te Raekaihau Point.

This rock platfrom was lifted from the sea during Great Wairarapa Fault earthquake of 1855. At Magnitude 8.1-8.2, this is the largest earthquake to strike New Zealand since its colonization by Europeans, and one of the largest globally recorded. Prior to the earthquake, Te Raekaihau Point, in a sense, did not exist. It lay submerged beneath the sea, where wave action over thousands of years, together with cliff retreat, had cut a flat, shallow platform into the hard greywacke bedrock. In 1855, this platform was elevated about a meter above high-tide-level in the matter of a few seconds during the earthquake. The platform is thus remarkable for its dramatic and recent origin, and for providing such a clear expression of earthquake-related coastal uplift during a very large earthquake. For this reason, we show the point to University students taking Geology courses. I consider the point to be an important landform on the South Wellington Coast, and to be of considerable historic and scientific interest to New Zealand.

Sincerely,
Dr Timothy A. Little
Associate Professor Timothy A. Little Director, Geology Board of Studies Victoria University of Wellington P.O. Box 600 Wellington, New Zealand 6000
February 2004