Refresh needed at next local body election

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Opinion

Strewth, the diggers went in after dark on Friday to remove the entranceway to the council’s new offices. When will we see them back in removing other parts of the building that are non-compliant?

Remember, the two-storey building signed off by council officers in 2002 only lasted just over 10 years. That debacle led to the decision we should spend $12.5 million on new offices.

Speaking of us ratepayers, I see the Kaiti Mall is for sale. Mayor Meng Foon promised us, in return for our votes, he would hold annual rate increases to 2 percent.

With this promise broken, could ratepayers put a lien on the mall ?property and have proceeds paid to the council to subsidise the massive rate increases we now face?

I hear the Mayor is away for about six weeks soon and that other councillors will be covering for him. Will they be paid an allowance for the extra duties? Is the mayoral vehicle available to them?

I have been following the debate on the council wanting to flick Heart of Gisborne off.

For my penny’s worth, you at council have done well from the massive work Lana Davy and her unpaid volunteers do for our community. Lana has worked well beyond the hours expected and has provided vibrancy to our CBD.

It is disappointing that a retailer councillor has not supported her in this latest council decision. You only have to look at Saturday’s opinion poll in The Gisborne Herald to see that more people shop online than in the city.

Councillors, you should be ashamed as you have not listened to community concerns about parking and are thus driving people away from the city centre.

I think it is high time we Tairawhiti residents have a good look at the actions of our current councillors. Many are pushing personal agendas and seeking publicity for it.

Next year’s election is looming fast and a refresh is needed.

Coasties, please make sure Bill Burdett stands again and represents you all — he is very wise counsel and tries to keep some of the “newbies” under control.

David Hall