Then on page 5 – part of the stage 2 process will be about balancing principles that may be in conflict, but there needs to be a strong, transparent implementation process in place that provides for public input.

Finally on Page 8 – by late 1996, the Community Consultative Committee had reported back to the council and LHM advising that the waterfront was a key recreational area for the city, and that public spaces should be designed first with built development to follow.

However the purpose of the Design Brief is to guide the creation of high quality buildings and spaces in the north Kumutoto area and how these will look, and forms a basis on which Wellington Waterfront Ltd, the council’s implementation manager for the waterfront, engages designers or developers for development in the North Kumutoto area.

The majority of members of the public who were at the forum last week were appalled at the the power point showing the two large “blue blobs” creating a “canyon” effect along Waterloo Quay and blocking out the view across to Mt Victoria and the Monastery and stressed the need for recreation facilities and a scenic welcome to the city from the northern gateway.

With only 24 hours notice from the closing time of written submissions, no wonder there is concern. Will the councillors have time to study the written submissions before the the oral presentations? No wonder the word “farce” is being heard.