Have your say: Should the Riff Raff Statue be erected?

Source: Waikato Times print edition

28 February 2004

We asked if a statue of Riff Raff from the Rocky Horror Picture Show should be erected in Hamilton and what you thought of the council's decision.

Judy McDonald: Good on the council for having the courage and foresight to support the Riff Raff statue project. And never fear, folks, it's most unlikely the rest of the world will suddenly regard Hamilton as the transvestite capital of the universe.

Jeremy Kelsen: My wife and I would be very disappointed if the transvestite statue were to be erected anywhere in Hamilton.

Barry Charles: A total waste of ratepayers' money. Bring on the local body elections.

Nagarajah Manoharan: Council's decision to erect a statue of Riff Raff could be accepted if ratepayers were happy with the service and performance of the council.

Mary Tyler: No to Riff Raff.

Elisabeth Langley-Cornille: I suggest councillors go to Thornton Gallery to see the Fred Graham exhibition before it closes on Saturday. Then they should consider purchasing a piece of "real" history.
Tina Warnock: I am strongly against there being a transvestite statue in Hamilton. It is not what I want my city to stand for. I don't want to have to explain to my children what it is about.

Gloria Langworthy: We in Hamilton should acknowledge Richard O'Brien's contribution to the theatre. The averageness of the place and the convergence of historical circumstances have made for a rich tradition of eccentricity and imagination that is constantly bubbling away just under the surface.

Michael Greene: I was delighted to see Richard O'Brien is finally getting recognition from his home town.