I write this to suggest to Nicola that she runs a Givealittle page to raise the funding needed for the work she would like to see done. I can't imagine there will be much support but the best of luck ...
A question to all councillors at Horizons and the district council who happen to read this letter: Have you given enough thought in your plans, to the ongoing effect of a year of Covid-19 and the mental health of those people in your community you are there to serve? Have you dropped your overheads, or are you creating more empires?
LES WRIGHT
Whanganui
WDC Long Term Plan
My compliments to the Whanganui District Council on the release of its 2021-2031 Long Term Plan consultation document. Namely, because it is easy to read and follow.
For example, do I want to pay another $2.20 a year on my rates to decommission the existing velodrome? Or $54 for a roof that will allow cyclists to continue to use the facility? Or perhaps $93 to have a multi-purpose velodrome and events centre that will attract people to Whanganui who will contribute to the local economy?
To my mind, this one is simple enough if you are indeed prepared to pay anything at all … if I'm going to pay $54 I may as well pay $93 and have the potential it offers the community at large … otherwise, you may as well pull it down.
Doing things by halves rarely works and that is what option two (the council prefers this option) would achieve. Then you have options like $4.20 a year to develop youth places and spaces … that's not much to pay to help out our young people, is it?
But one thing we all must remember is that any new projects mean a rates increase and that's why it's important for all of us to put our 2c worth in and make an online submission to the council so that councillors really do know what people want.
If you don't give your opinion then councillors will simply do what tickles their fancy and their support for option two for the velodrome would seem like an absolute waste of $20 million to me.
I encourage you to read the Long Term Plan here https://tinyurl.com/3h2puzmc then email your submission to policy submissions@whanganui.govt.nz.
STEVE BARON
Whanganui
Horizons 8 per cent rates rise
Like many Whanganui citizens I am appalled at the announcement by Horizons Regional Council of an 8 per cent rates rise for the next three years (News, March 29). It is mentioned this rates increase is to cover spending more money on water quality, climate change, biodiversity and consulting iwi.
I, and others, want to know the total amount being spent on each of these four activities, not just a broad statement.
Just who the hell do these people think they are? Slapping an 8 per cent rates increase on everybody is taking the easy way out. Has there been an investigation into saving money by reducing operating costs, eg. councillors' expenses?
Whanganui District Council has produced a draft climate change strategy. Is Horizons working with them on this, or is it spending ratepayers money on developing its own?
Come on councillors, provide actual detail and your bitter pill might be easier to swallow.
ROBERT ALLEN
Durie Hill
