Cooper Tattle is concerned that if the region's i-Site is moved to Captain Morgans, Gisborne could lose the mini golf course at the current i-Site.
OPINION
Covering losses despite pools’ ‘success’
As I suspected, the Kiwa Pools complex has already become an albatross around local ratepayers’ necks.
The Gisborne Herald reveals the pools cannot pay their way and money must be found to cover the shortfall.
This comes just after the one-year anniversary of its opening, and council trumpeting the pools’ “success”. From the council handout:
“Kiwa Pools has made a big splash in its first year of business. With more than 205,395 admissions since opening ... Kiwa Pools aquatic manager Campbell Macgregor says it’s been a huge success for the community.”
Interesting how a loss is seen as a “success”.
Now council is considering raising the admission price after revealing a shortfall in revenue of almost $2 per admission - despite the number of people using the pools surpassing projections.
With council’s estimations being so far out, the shortfall must be at least $350,000 (going by council’s own figures).
Now council wants the public to come to the party on what to do about funding.
I have always firmly believed in the “user pays” principle - and that if you can’t afford to pay, you don’t use. (Put the choccy bickies back on the shelf, they’re not on the list!)
Which begs the question as to why the funding aspect was not clearly quantified from the outset.
Councillor Wharehinga’s remarks about being on the verge of “losing the last pool” and that the Government allocation “saved them” is revealing.
Perhaps council should not be in the business of running swimming pools - the Enterprise Pool seems able to survive.
Hard-hearted as it sounds, I don’t believe I or any other ratepayer should have my pocket raided to pay for those who want to learn to swim, or just enjoy a daily dip.
I am unswayed by the bleatings about families and children - a short time ago schools had pools and we took kids to the beach.
As for council, this is yet another example of it being way past learning to “swim” - certainly regarding management and expenditure.
Roger Handford
Mini golf preferred to ice cream
As a Gizzy local I’m concerned, what will happen to our beloved mini golf course that is part of our current i-Site?
I’m not against the i-Site moving, but I’d rather play a nostalgic game of mini golf over an ice cream, for the same price I might add.
A new mini golf course would be a delight if that’s in the plans, but I am very concerned our town is going to lose one of its most underrated community assets.
Cooper Tattle
Public interest lacking
Re: How cops caught up with Kiri Allan, September 17 story.
It must be a slow news day at NZME when someone decided that this was in the public’s best interest. Surely that is the first question - is it in the public’s best interest?
I am not seeing it. What has happened has happened and those involved should try to move on.
Dave Henderson
War for profit
The risks posed by nuclear weapons are escalating. US presidential leadership may be the most important factor in whether the risk of nuclear arms racing, proliferation and war will rise or fall in the years ahead.
Perhaps the most consequential responsibility for a US President, who has the sole authority to order the use of nuclear weapons, is to avoid events that could lead to a nuclear war - not only between Russia or China and the US, but involving Israel also.
On September 20, a UN resolution on Israel’s unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory received 124 votes in favour, while 43 countries abstained, and Israel, the US and 12 others voted “no”. Israel is a nuclear power estimated to have between 90 and 400 nuclear warheads.
The existence of nuclear weapons in the politically volatile Middle East greatly increases the likelihood of a catastrophic nuclear war - with Israel’s nuclear weapons, and if Iran has enriched enough nuclear material to build them. The consequences of a nuclear exchange would be enormous.
Adding to the risks and tragic consequences, war-making remains a profit-making enterprise.
Bob Hughes
Upgraded, promoted
Re: ‘Vandalising’ of national historic reserve, September 14 letter.
Sorry Roger, disagree. Hopefully it’s the first stage of the whole site being upgraded and promoted.
Nigel Mead
F on every measure
Re: Ideological choices have consequences, September 20 letter.
Ideological choices indeed have consequences ... the previous Government got an F on every single measure due to their misguided beliefs they knew better than every other single person.
Health, wealth, education, economy, energy security, poverty, crime, housing, societal unity ... the list is nearly endless.
On every single measure, this country is worse off, some by many magnitudes, than it was in 2017. There is no escaping the truth.
Iain Boyle
'We are gearing up for an incredible event': SLNZ event manager.