Inaction on waterfront a missed opportunity
Why is cost always cited as the reason for not developing the waterfront in Tauranga? What a beautiful natural asset this area is and how under-exploited is its potential.
Time and again we hear that various consultants have produced grand state-of-the-art plans but nothing is ever done except that more money is spent achieving nothing.
Sadly the area remains a tatty, under-appreciated and untapped source of enjoyment and revenue for the whole of Tauranga.
It does not have to be the most expensive option with fancy sculptures.
A boardwalk along the entire water's edge could be enjoyed all year round by everyone.
The whole area could be a beautiful park with native trees and flowers attracting wildlife - an area with lots of seating which could be enjoyed by absolutely everyone in the community. There could easily be play areas for younger children but also large green areas which would be attractive for events such as the Jazz Festival.
If the space was available many event organisers would be attracted to the area. Think of the revenue this would bring into the town.
It just has to be done once and done properly, if the basic structure was there other facilities could be added further down the line, it just takes forward planning and common sense.
Sue Nunn, Tauranga
Insurance con
Most people pay insurance because it's a requirement for a mortgage or finance, or help reduce financial losses to themselves or others. Insurance companies are in the business to cover those losses by the premiums we pay.
As time goes by every year after insurance companies costs are taken out of their turnover there are profits which they all make. A portion of that profit is from the element of risk to cover major disasters which happen few and far between. When something disastrous like the Christchurch earthquake occurs all policy holders have already paid for any loss insurance companies suffer.
Nobody's future premiums should increase to cover payouts you have already paid premiums for. Future premiums can expect to rise sadly for those of whom it affected so cruelly and continue to stay in high risk areas.
I say it's incompetent and a con of the insurance companies not to have suffice funds to cover this quake which obviously they haven't by increasing premiums New Zealand wide.
I again ask Mr Bridges, Ryall and Flavell, please make some big noise in Wellington about this, it's wrong.
Daryl Harlan, Tauranga
Profit obsession
Recently, I read a letter from a Bill Humphrey (Your View, August 25), regarding a recent controversial parade and its benefits for the Tauranga CBD. He makes a good point, which many of that parade's opponents have not noted. Thousands of people were attracted to the CBD at no cost to the ratepayer. "The bars on The Strand and other businesses have never had it so good."
Yes, from a purely economic perspective, it was brilliant. However, looking at a situation from a purely economic perspective is one of the key problems with our country. We live in a sick society, one which grows sicker with each successive generation. The pursuit of profit is not the issue; it is the pursuit of profit at any cost, without considering the consequences, which is to blame. Yes, that controversial parade had an economic benefit - but what was the social cost?
As long as people are obsessed with money - whether that be the rich getting richer or the poor dragging everyone down to their level - society will continue to erode. It's only going to get worse.
I certainly hope Mr Humphrey will consider this point.
RP Wood, Tauranga
What is the cost?
Re: Arataki community centre
Now that this "architectural blot on the landscape" which will cost ratepayers about $3 million plus is nearing completion, it looks like all the grounds including carparks are being laid out and done at Tauranga City Council ratepayers' cost. What is the cost of this work? The council it seems, has recently passed some sort of resolution, authorising financial assistance for unspecified knick-knacks, depreciation, sound systems, music and God only knows what else.
No one seems to know anything about what this assistance package is worth and actually totals and TCC ratepayers need to know what the ceiling limit is for this stuff. It is fair to ask, what are the Arataki residents/members actually contributing other than probably seeking naming rights for this edifice?
No wonder this cash-strapped Tauranga City Council is in debt for $400 million with this sort of easy-beat financial philosophy.
R Paterson, Matapihi
TCC responds: The Arataki Community Advisory Group (not the council) is looking to raise $200,000 for additional amenities for the soon-to-be completed Arataki Community Centre - barbecues, basketball court, audio-visual equipment for community groups. The council agreed to put $13,000 a year ($1080 a month) towards the maintenance of any assets constructed or bought as a result of this fundraising.
Note: The Arataki Community Centre will be completed on time and under budget.
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