Taj Mahal to be recreated in New Zealand

vIndianz.com (20 Oct, 2009) — A set of Indians have carved up a $20 million arrangement to construct a reproduction of the Taj Mahal in this New Zealand city.

The smaller version of the testimonial of love is designed to be built at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in New North Road, in the Auckland suburb of Eden Tce.

“What we wish for is a building that will replicate the splendor and the rich Indian culture and history, and be the delight of the community here,” New Zealand Herald Tuesday quoted the centre’s chairman Kanu Patel stating.

The replica might consist of a marble mausoleum, a pool and gold-plated ornaments.

The Mahatma Gandhi Centre, which cost $6 million to construct, sits on a hectare previously in use by Findlay’s Bakery. The Auckland Indian Association bought it for $1.9 million in the year 1990.

Patel stated: “The fresh building will help not only the Indian community but also Auckland City – as a tourist attraction, maybe – so I think there is a good reason for us to be receiving support from local government and charities.”

He believed the centre had hosted a few of the community’s most noteworthy social, cultural, religious and musical events and festivals over the years, and the latest building would be doing the similar, “only on a bigger scale”

“Given that we own the land, we will be putting all the $20 million into the building, and I think it can go quite a long way,” Patel said.

“The challenge will be to find a balance in the new building, which has to be iconic and at the same time multi-functional. “The centre is, and will continue to be, the heart and the hub of the Indian community – where celebrations, weddings, classes and religious observations take place.”

Local business owners usually supported the Taj Mahal suggestion, but said they would assume a wait-and-see advance.

However, student Becca Smith, who is renting a flat on a adjacent street, said she was concerned about impact the growth would have on parking space.

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