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.

Council Expenditure

They pay at Te Papa why not Lyn Lye.

I would love for the Lyn Lye centre to be built in New Plymouth to house the Lyn Lye collection, I also would love for the ratepayers not to have to pay for the proposed annual increasing running costs of the centre. At a time when councils are spending more on amenities such as the running costs of the proposed Lyn Lye Centre and Stadiums, than the basics public functions. Five years ago councils on average spent $1.15 of every $2 on basic public functions roads sewage etc, and 85c on Libraries, art galleries etc. Now they spend on average $1.02 of every $2 on niceties, and 98c on amenities. According to the latest Sunday Times Survey on local body expenditure obtained through the official information act. It would be better for the long suffering ratepayers if the new Lyn Lye centre was a stand alone project. Meaning that the centre charge at the door for its running costs, user pays. After all Dame Cheryil Sotheran former Govett- Brewster Art Gallery director and Te Papa head said a Lyn Lye centre would have a significant globle impact “The world out there is hungry for this”. Then I suggest the world can pay for the privilege to see it. Ms Devenport the new Govett-Brewster director said that visitors come especially to New Plymouth to see Lyn's works and are disappointed to find them not permanently up at the gallery. I to would be disappointed if visitors came to New Plymouth to see Lyn's works and they couldn't. Now as I suggest with a minimal door charge they can, with no added charge to the ratepayers. They pay at Te Papa don't they.

Rusty Kane NZ