NEW: An artist's impression of the sculpture. PHOTO/ROTORUA LAKES COUNCIL
Re funding for sculpture.
Now what I would like to know is what benefits can we expect as a taxpayer and ratepayer? What will we get for our investment? It does not make it easier for us to travel on our roads. It does not fix or improve our footpaths
and roads. It does not improve or add value to the economy of Rotorua. It does not enhance the environment like nature does. It does not improve the infrastructure of Rotorua. It does not create new jobs. I'm not convinced that visitors will want to flock here and spend their money here because of this. So how will this benefit us local taxpayers and ratepayers?
MARTIN WEPA
Rotorua
First we had a $26,000 aluminium Christmas tree. Such a monstrosity, even my dog never bothered to lift his hind leg. We were hoping we had seen it all. But no, this time we get a sculpture costing $500,000. To put our minds at ease we are told that the council pays only part of it. The ratepayers that is, you and me to be exact. Another large part is paid by the tax payers. But wait, they are the same people, you and me!
It would be so much more prudent for the council firstly to reduce its debt somewhat, which is outrageous for a small place like Rotorua.
