MDC chief contrite over $92k pou

CRANE HIRE: Crane costs are blamed for most of the cost over-run for the pou project.

Masterton District Council's chief executive has apologised for the town's beleaguered entranceway pou and the over-run in costs, promising an "internal review" into the project.

The Times-Age has been flooded with letters, texts and social media comments from a public exasperated with the pous' lack of visibility, mistakes with the symbol sizes, and the revelation the project has so far cost $92,000, nearly three times the initial budget.

The pou feature nine deliberately rusted symbols which relate to life in Wairarapa.

In a letter to the Times-Age, Masterton District Council chief executive Pim Borren has asked the public to "bear with me" as he comes to grips with the project.

"It has not been well managed and I have apologised to the mayor and our elected councillors," he said.

"I have initiated an internal review and I expect lessons to be learnt."

Dr Borren said he is "determined" to ensure the council does not waste taxpayers' money.

"In this regard I have also initiated an external review of our procurement and contracting processes."

He indicated there was more work to be done on the project.

"I am not happy with the outcome and we are working on improving the current look. Please bear with me."

During a council meeting on June 11 council spokesman Sam Rossiter-Stead told councillors the project had come in at just under $92,000, from an initial budget of $35,000.

He blamed crane hireage, vegetation clearance and structural engineer fees for the increase in costs.

Dr Borren said the council had improved in a range of services over 12 months, with council staff improving their focus on customer service and partnering with the community on community projects.

He said project management has not been a strength of the council "but it is an area I will be addressing with increased resourcing in the near future".