Underinvestment costly

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

People have voted for those who say they’ll hold rates or those who don’t increase taxes for decades. As a consequence, there hasn’t been enough money to pay for new infrastructure or maintenance — even though money did need to be spent consistently to ensure sound infrastructure and services. 
It’s all coming to a head, as it can’t be replaced all at once. It is the old Listerine moment. It tastes really bad but it’s good for you. 
If only candidates had been honest enough to say, “If you want decent infrastructure and services it will cost you, but you will see the rewards.” 
More than 30 years of not enough money has caused a huge amount of damage — locally and nationwide.

Mary-Ann de Kort