Editorial: Funding welcome, whatever the motivation

Andrew Austin, Editor of Hawke's Bay Today.

Anyone would think it is an election year with all the free money on offer yesterday.

Yes, it certainly was Hawke's Bay, and in particular, Hastings' lucky day when Prime Minister Bill English swept into town to make a big announcement at the Hawke's Bay Opera House.

The announcement, covered in our paper today, was that the Government will invest $4 million towards the estimated $11 million cost of earthquake strengthening the Opera House.

The grant will add to the $500,000 already raised for the project and comes from the Regional Culture and Heritage Fund.

Another announcement made by Minister of Tourism Paula Bennett yesterday was that the government will give $380,000 for the building of a visitor shelter and information centre, toilet, and car park in Te Mata Park.

The plan will see a car park, information kiosk and toilet at the main gates, with a bike wash facility and toilet to be built at the Tauroa Rd park entrance. Both areas will include drinking water taps.

Both of these projects will be met with enthusiasm by locals and will enhance the region's tourist appeal.

Some may say that it is a cynical attempt by the National Government to ensure that current Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule, who is standing as the party's candidate in Tukituki this year, beats Labour candidate Anna Lorck.

Whatever the motivation, at least two important landmarks in our community are getting much needed funding.