Carterton District Council is "leading the way" in supporting Toi Wairarapa by sticking to its original funding plan for the organisation.
The council had committed to providing $1.80 per capita or $14,076 to Toi Wairarapa in its 2014/15 annual plan. Masterton District Council agreed to pay $35,000, about $1.50 per capita. South Wairarapa District Council agreed $9528, $1 per capita. Carterton District Council's condition in its annual plan was that each council would pay the same amount per capita. Since that condition was not met, the council had the opportunity to drop its level of funding.
Toi Wairarapa co-ordinator Mena Antonio was at Wednesday's Carterton council meeting to ask that they maintain their level of funding. She said someone needed to lead the way for the programme which supports arts, culture and heritage. Councillors voted to keep the level of funding at $1.80 per capita earning congratulations from mayor Ron Mark. "Mena does so much hard work which I think goes under appreciated."
"We are showing the other councils that art is a point of strength for Wairarapa, but it could be more so."
