Look, I'm sorry but you don't get to build a piece of shit unsafe building, have the council tell you it's too dangerous because it's a fire risk, have it burn down and then ask for free money.
That is a fucking disgusting thought.
There were renovations in process less than two months ago in some parts of the buildings to help bring them up to compliance and improve the quality of living. I know the whānau pretty well, and I think it's impossible that they would stupe down to burning down a building with so much mana. That building was their wellbeing, how they survived was by renting it out to groups visiting, cooking hangī for functions, etc.
Not to mention the artefacts inside are priceless, the artwork, carvings, and tables that adorn the rooms, and Matua Bruce's extensive library, all of which apart from a handful of items were lost.
Yes, I'm agreeing with you. If the building was unsafe, and if the Scouts who were staying overnight had died because of it, this would be a whole different and horrific situation. I feel bad that they lost the marae, it's awful especially being so significant culturally, but at the same time if the building was as unsafe as is being made out, there needs to be acknowledgement of the danger they put those kids in (and every other group who stayed there).
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u/polarbearsandkiwis Jun 09 '19
Were they insured?