Tauranga City Councillors seem to think that hiding capital asset decisions and ownership (the proposed rebuild of the City Centre) in CCO’s (Council Controlled Organisations) is the way to fund this proposed development. I see this as a “flawed” policy, as all it really achieves is to reduce transparency, so that ratepayers can’t effectively evaluate council actions. Our Councillors need to stand up and make the right, albeit hard, decisions that show the vision and aspiration that New Zealand’s fifth biggest city demands. Yes there will be the naysayers that will scream for a lowering of rates – but please, please be brave; be strong; and be visionary, and make a commitment to a modern, forward looking city.

You might say that this development is too expensive, but further procrastination will just cost more and more. Certainly Tauranga City doesn’t have to own everything – consider what your core business is and only fund that. Parking buildings, for example, are not core assets, and yet this council seems to think that they should spend many $10’s of millions and own them. Other cities have sold off their parking buildings, and freed up cash for what is important. For goodness sake Tauranga City Councillors, get independent advice, and for once show some real vision - something that still seems sadly lacking; and has been for the past ten years.

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email me