Editorial: Big bill must put doubt on Big Braai

There is no doubt that the Big Braai adds value to Wanganui.
The South African-themed event was held at Cooks Gardens in April, and gave punters the chance to sample barbecue-style food in a family environment which included musical entertainment from the likes of New Zealand band Op Shop.
Such a unique occasion deserves a place on our city's calendar, and offers much in terms of providing not only a good day out, but a chance to celebrate a culture which now makes up a significant group in our community.
But everything comes at a cost, and following news in yesterday's Chronicle that ratepayers will now pick up part of the tab for the $62,000 loss incurred by this year's Big Braai, there must now be serious doubts about the event's long-term sustainability.
The Big Braai is a joint effort between Wanganui District Council, Wanganui Events Trust and the South African Mid Central Association (SAMCA).
Just three days before the Big Braai was due to be held this year, SAMCA told council it was unable to meet its pre-event financial commitments.
The council agreed to put up $38,000 to ensure the event went ahead, on the understanding that any financial loss was shared between the three groups.
So now council has to pick up a share of the subsequent $62,000 shortfall.
That alone should be concerning for ratepayers.
If ratepayer money is to be spent, then surely there should be an onus on the council to keep a closer watch over the event management, and to intervene if it appears things aren't going to plan.
Often events which seem at first glance to offer nothing but benefits for a city can end up costing much more than planned - the cost of Hamilton City Council's dalliance with the V8 Supercars was last year revealed to have ballooned to $27.4 million over the three years the city had hosted the event.
But questions also need to be asked about the processes surrounding funding of the Big Braai.
Councillor Michael Laws has raised the issue of who authorised the initial $38,000 payment, only to be told that chief executive Kevin Ross was responsible.
While Mr Ross was presumably acting within the mandate of his role, it begs the question of whether the decision to prop up the event should have been left to one person.
Councillors Rob Vinsen and Hamish McDouall also used the council meeting to express concerns about the event. Collectively, that's a significant portion of the council whose views need to be recognised.
Wanganui needs events like the Big Braai, and hopefully it can be staged again next year. But only if it's financially viable to do so.
Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz