Opinion: TECT cheque result a spectacular own goal

Tauranga has scored a spectacular own goal in failing to support TECT's plan to channel TECT cheque funds into community projects and groups. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Tauranga scored a spectacular own goal in failing to support TECT's plan to channel TECT cheque funds into community projects and groups.

The trustees, who put forward the plan, faced an uphill battle. Trustpower customers were being asked to forgo their big annual freebie for the greater good. That's always a tall order.

Perhaps recognising this, there was a sweetener in the deal. Consumers would have received a one-off $2500 cheque later this year plus a further five annual TECT cheques worth $360 each if the plan had gone through.

Neither the sweetener nor the appeal to be community-minded were enough to sway consumers.

A campaign by Trustpower, which in my view, stood to lose a competitive edge if the cheques ceased, clouded this debate. Some readers questioned whether the company had a right to hold a public view on what a shareholder (in the case TECT) might do in the future. It's a fair point in my view.

The trustees' decision to withdraw the proposal is a win for those who wanted to keep their annual cheque, which averaged $497 last year. It's a significant boost to family budgets.

But what have we lost?

The amount donated to community organisations would have more than tripled under the plan to reach $24 million to $25m a year.

That sort of money opens up a world of possibilities.

Think purpose-built rugby stadium, a museum, more sporting facilities and support for the arts, more events, more resources for our schools and more financial support for volunteer organisations making a real difference in our community.

Personally, I think TECT's trustees should have pushed on with the referendum - if only to continue the debate and to make clear what was at stake.

Our city lacks facilities that much smaller centres take for granted, but it seems we'll continue to be a city that stubbornly refuses to shake off its small-town roots.