A giant Māui statue one of the suggestions for $52 million Naenae Pool

Stuff December 10, 2019

Tom Murphy told the politicians they had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a world-class facility.

He urged them to look beyond just building a new pool and to create an attraction that would attract visitors from all over the world.

He suggested a pool with apartments on top and incorporating sculptures, gardens and waterfalls into the design.

Wellington Airport's Gollum sculpture was a major attraction and, with Weta Studios based locally, there was an opportunity to do something similar in Naenae.

A sculpture featuring Māui fishing up the North Island would be appropriate on top of a pool, he said.

A "theme park" type development would bring visitors to Naenae and rejuvenate the shopping centre.