So it was probably somewhat refreshing for manufacturers to hear more positive words at the Dunedin Brick Show in the Edgar Centre during the weekend.
Large buildings, life-sized animals, vehicles and even movie characters were made out of thousands of the tiny blocks, drawing "oohs" and "ahs" (of the good kind) from adults and children alike.
This year’s event had a nautical theme and there were large displays of boats and pirate ships.
One of the exhibits attracting the most attention was the MindCub3r — a machine made out of Lego blocks and an EV3 robotics kit that could solve Rubik’s cubes.
It was built by Christchurch Lego enthusiast Peter Middelkoop, who would give children and adults a Rubik’s cube to "mess up" as much as they could, and then place it in his machine, which would return it to one colour per side.
The machine was one of about 40 exhibits at the event, organised by the Lego Users Group Otago (Lugo).
Co-ordinator Jacqui Hay estimated about 10,000 people visited the show.
As well as the fantastic display of Lego by talented aficionados from around New Zealand, there were Lego activities for the whole family.
These included
Lego car racing on a newly built ramp, Lego tile making, colouring competitions, and Lego and Duplo play pits.
Money raised from the event will support the Dunedin Parents Centre.
