Editorial: Be positive about new pathway's benefits

Hundreds turned out - on bikes, scooters, rollerskates, wheelchairs, prams and on their own two feet - to celebrate the opening yesterday. Photo / Ben Fraser

As a ratepayer, I am all for projects that make our city more vibrant, healthy and attractive.

Not even a torrential downpour could rain on the Green Corridor parade. Metaphorically speaking that is.

Hundreds turned out - on bikes, scooters, rollerskates, wheelchairs, prams and on their own two feet - to celebrate the opening yesterday.

The weather held out long enough for the parade to make its way to Kuirau Park, before the heavens opened. It didn't matter, the mood was festive and the sense of community high.

It's been dubbed "controversial", this guided pathway through our city. That's an accurate description, given a number of opponents have spoken out about the suitability of bikes etc going through the CBD, the removal of car parks and the claims it will be a waste of ratepayers' money that won't be used or benefit the city.

While these are valid concerns, I can't help wondering just how widespread that view is. Perhaps it depends who you talk to, but everywhere I go are people who reckon it's actually pretty neat.

Yes my rates need to pay for the necessities. But the health of a city and its residents is about more than that, which is why I don't object to paying a little more each week to live in a city with a heart and soul, a vibrant city I can be proud to show off.

If the Green Corridor turns out to be a white elephant or causes problems, I will be the first to put my hands up and say to the critics, you were right.

Until then why not be positive and give it a chance. Hundreds of people last night would agree.