Hamilton Zoo received further funding as part of the city's 10-year plan. Photo / Peter Drury
Hamilton Zoo received further funding as part of the city's 10-year plan. Photo / Peter Drury
Hamilton's Waiwhakareke Park will soon connect with Hamilton's Zoo as new councillor Ryan Hamilton along with Paula Southgate pushed for further funding for the two pieces of community infrastructure.
The motion approves $2.2 million of capital funding over three years for a new shared entry precinct for the Zoo andWaiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park.
It will also include external funding and operational funding to open the park to the public.
A budget of $760,000 has also been allocated to develop a loop track, viewing platforms, toilet facilities, signage, fencing and bridges at Waiwhakereke Natural Heritage Park.
Councillor Garry Mallett put forward his own amendment to not fund the project which failed.
"We are local government and it is very simple, we are here to provide the services that the public won't or does not provide," Cr O'Leary said.
"Sometimes Councillor Mallett, those services we provide include libraries, zoo, parks and playgrounds."
She called it hypocritical of him to make those comments when he supported putting aside $7m to purchase and hold buildings on Victoria St.
Councillor Dave Macpherson said rates had been cut without slashing projects the people want: "I wasn't a zoo expansion upgrade supporter in the past, but Councillor Ryan has done a lot to convince me in the last couple of days.
"This will be a better zoo development than anywhere I've seen in New Zealand and Australia."
Mayor Andrew King and councillors Leo Tooman and Mallett were against the motion.
Deputy Mayor Martin Gallagher and councillors, O'Leary, Macpherson, Geoff Taylor, James Casson, Mark Bunting, Paula Southgate, Rob Pascoe, Hamilton and Henry were in support.