Function fight not welcoming

Poor Dr Kathryn Wightman must be wondering what she has let herself in for; as quickly as the welcome mat was laid out, it appeared it was being put away.

Of course, the reaction to the official Wanganui District Council welcome for the new tutor Wanganui Glass School is not quite as simple as that description suggests.

It is likely there are political motivations at play.

Upset at what he described as an "extravagant booze-up" and unnecessary use of council funds, Ray Stevens went public.

He suggested it was unfair to pay for the event when a function celebrating the contribution of volunteers to our community did not meet the same standard.

It is possible that Mr Stevens' stance is driven by a distaste for continued funding of the Glass School.

The 10-year plan included a $95,000 contribution from council for this year. A decision on whether that will continue is likely later this year.

Many may see the contribution to the school as money well spent and Dr Wightman deserving of a civic reception. Others will not.

Mayor Annette Main was quick to downplay any perceived extravagance after Mr Stevens' criticism, suggesting the welcome was "a small, low-key function" to introduce Dr Wightman to councillors and senior council staff.

Still, Mr Stevens was not buying that and suggested there was inequality in the reception afforded Dr Wightman compared with other dignitaries.

The dispute is not a good look, and we can only hope it does not tarnish Dr Wightman's views of Wanganui or the Glass School.

There is pressure to build on its fine reputation and boost student numbers in the struggling courses, and this kind of distraction will not help.

Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz.