The Ministry of Maori Development, Te Puni Kokiri, says the waka-shaped Rugby World Cup pavilion being built by an Auckland hapu with taxpayer funds will be value for money.
The almost $2 million cultural showpiece for the Rugby World Cup is a joint venture between Ngati Whatua o Orakei and the Government.
Critics have said the project should have gone out to tender and is an appalling use of taxpayer money.
Labour MP Shane Jones has described the structure as a last-minute, panic-stricken stunt.
Te Puni Kokiri chief executive Leith Comer told Morning Report he has no doubts the Maori Waka will be a huge success.
He says Maori initiatives "do tend to get an initial reaction" but when people see what is being produced and the attraction it will have to visitors they will appreciate it is good value for money.
High tech materials used
The designer of the Waka Maori waterfront pavilion says the structure will be made from the same high-tech fabric as the Queens Wharf party central venue, The Cloud.
Renata Blair from Ngati Whatua o Orakei says says it will be a great place to introduce overseas visitors to Maori culture.
Mr Blair told Waatea News the inspiration was the idea of Auckland as Tamaki Herenga Waka - the place where canoes are moored.
The idea is to show to those who've travelled to New Zealand for the tournament that Maori are the greatest explorers in the world - and some of the greatest rugby players as well.
Ngati Whatua o Orakei estimates the total cost of the project will be $1,988,000; the Crown will contribute just over $1.8 million and the hapu $100,000.
Hapu spokesperson Ngarimu Blair says the pavilion itself will cost $900,000 and the remainder of the money will go into events and activities to be put on during the 17-day period to showcase Maori arts, culture, business and enterprise.
"So it represents the typical Maori spend, the lower spend, and like everything we do it on the smell of an oily rag with awesome outcomes," Mr Blair says.
However, Mr Blair says the price tag represents a tiny proportion of the event's $265 million promotion budget. The money for the project will be split between Government ministries and the hapu, he says.
