Market project still alive
By Charles Pitt

Initial concept plan for sound shell at the Punanga Nui Market.

“People will think I’m an idiot when I start work on a 70 foot long building,” said master carver Mike Tavioni when speaking of his dream project. This is to build a sound shell at the Punanga Nui Market.
It had always been intended to site a building in the area at the town end of the Market between the two large rock carvings.
Tavioni’s vision is for an open-sided building with a roof in the shape of a sail similar to a Vaka sail. This building would be for various activities, including performances. It would be also be an enormous tourist attraction.
In September last year architectural designer Wayne Meyer produced several concept drawings for consideration by Tavioni and his Market Committee.
Meyer’s cost estimates ranged from $680,000 to $980,000. A visiting German architect costed the building at $3 million if certain materials were used in the construction.
SIMPLER
However, Tavioni himself favoured a different design for the roof and a simpler design. He opted away from having changing areas below the stage and going for an open sided building that had a three foot high concrete base, nine foot high posts and a roof with straight sides but when viewed side on had the shape of a sail.
The lower six feet of roof would be in shingles arranged to allow air through. Tavioni costed out his design at around $300,000 but believes it could be done for $100,000 if savings were made in some areas.
CHARGE
Support for the building, says Tavioni, has come from the Minister in charge of the Market, Aunty Mau Munokoa, and Finance Minister Dr Terepai Maoate.
Tavioni believes income from market rentals would be sufficient to service a loan. He said he still needs to draw up a proper work plan and a proper costing along with a practical professional drawing.
However, he sees no reason why some fund raising activity could not be started now.
Tavioni wants people to know he has not abandoned the project. He said his passion won’t let him sleep until the project is finished.
“I’m convinced I can do it,” said Tavioni.
The committee looking into the project consists of Tavioni, Rosie Blake, George Cowan and Meyer.

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