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Councillor Calls on Buddhists to Do Right Thing
Press Release from Manukau City Councillor Michael Williams
Councillor Calls on Buddhists to Do the Right Thing
Manukau City Councillor for Botany-Clevedon Michael Williams is calling on the Buddhist Community to “do the right thing” by relocating the historic ‘Old Baverstock Schoolhouse’ from the back of the Buddhist Temple to the neighbouring school or another local site and to fund its restoration.
Cr Williams agrees with local East Auckland Historian Alan La Roche that the Temple has an obligation to look after the historic building, one of few left in the Botany Flatbush area. “It was a requirement of the resource consent to establish the temple that they preserve the historic schoolhouse and they ought to meet the commitment that they made.” says Councillor Williams. “The temple is a multimillion dollar development and in comparison the amount required to preserve the schoolhouse is minimal.”
“I am disappointed that the group has applied for a consent to demolish the building.”
“If the Buddhist Community wants Kiwis to show respect for their history and culture, then the Buddhist Community must show respect for Kiwi history and culture.”
However, the Councillor does not believe that the listed building should remain on the Buddhist site. “It is hidden away from the public by a high wall and is totally out of keeping with the architecture of the temple. It needs to be liberated to a public place where the community can appreciate its unique heritage.”
“The Baverstock Oaks School was previously interested in the building but was put off by the cost. I have previously asked council officers to broker a deal whereby the restoration works can be partly funded by ASB Trust, The Lotteries Commission and other community funding agencies. I will now ask the CEO of Manukau City Council to personally oversee this as it is important to preserve the heritage of the area for the benefit of the 40,000 people from all around the world who will live there.”
ENDS
In response to http://www.stuff.co.nz/4817058a22395.html
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