Whistles and Bells.

The old saying.. if it sounds to good to be true it properly is.. Is where I see the New Plymouth's vibrant feel good image heading without sustainable checks and balances. As we all know.. all good things come to an end... But the ramifications and costs attached to cerate the feel good image remains. Higher rates and living costs. The NPDC is so wrapped up in the whistles and bells and its feel good image, they tend to forget about those on fixed incomes that cant afford the whistles and bells. Mainly are elderly that because of their age and fixed incomes don't get to enjoy all the whiz and the pop the feel good image curates. All the fancy who-ha associated with it only increases their living costs.
The NPDC has also locked a large portion of their general rates into whistles and bells. By maintaining their vibran whistles and bells the NPDC are now past their means to maintain the extra costs without increasing rates or cutting core services. The first casualty the long awaited and planned Urenui/Onaero Sewerage Scheme being put on the back burner.

Rusty Kane

Consultants

In the last decade the New Zealand government sector has grown greater than the New Zealand economy. A major growth area are the troff feeders consultants that advise centrol and local government. Most of whom are ex- employees that have set up shop as consultants. This work has grown at a greater rate than budgets. Local Council's say they have inherited more responsibility from central government and need the consultants to give expert advise. I say it is because Councils are often run by managers and elected officials who try to justify their existence with pet projects. The responsibility and decisions are often delegated to outside constants to help justify these pet projects. Consultants who have a self-interest in keeping these council pet projects running. Big city consultants who make recommendations to local council committees make big money. When a simple report or sound advise could be made by a CEO or senior staff member already paid to do the job. Its time local council and central government deliver value to those paying their salaries.

Rusty Kane NP. NZ.