Benefactor needed

An unpleasant answer lies in the intent to ‘‘revitalise’’ the city centre. The mayor told the people at Pauatahanui that the cost would be $15 million, when the published announcement was for $18 million. However, the LTP records $34.6 million and recently we have learned that that amount does not include the loss of value which will occur through the destruction of assets such as the i-SITE building which is to be demolished to make a roadway.

In the same edition our mayor looks shocked to learn that NZ Post has made its own business decision not to continue its presence under the canopies. That seems to demonstrate that spending large sums of ratepayer money on ‘‘revitalisation’’ is hardly justified, as business will do what it considers is in its own best interests. Why does our mayor consider he knows better?

Will he now reconsider this foolish plan to waste our money? After all, the cost accounts for over half of the increase in the general rate this year and more than the total planned increase in each of the next two years. Creekfest for the past three years.

I would like to thank her for her commitment, passion and vision for our community. My family and I had such a great time in 2011 and again in 2012, the food, company, music, artists, and community spirit was uplifting and what a great way to celebrate wellness. I hope Creekfest gets the monies needed to continue the great work of promoting health awareness within our diverse community.

If Porirua celebrates Creekfest 2013, my family and I will be attending. Thanks Liz and keep up the good work. Editor,

The article from January 15 [re Creekfest funding shortfall] has stirred a lot of interest and feeling but alas it is not about the demise of Creekfest 2013 but it appears that it is all about ‘‘lets get Liz’’.

Peel away the personal stuff, the reality of the decision becomes evident. Have a look at the following historical timeline to the Fest:

2004 – Creekfest started in an effort to promote family and community spirit.

2006 – MCGT got on board, with attendance rising along with agency and community groups.

2011 & 2012 – Attendance soars to 30,000-plus, highlighted by participation from families in the various activities, amazing entertainment from the diverse cultural groups that make up Porirua and participation from local and national entertainers that bring in our amazing Porirua youth. 2013 – MGCT decline funding. The timeline supports Porirua Healthlinks Trust’s faith in thinking that approval was a ‘gimmie’, so to be declined at this late stage really throws a hammer into the works. Add to the mix that it has only ever been partial funding that the Trust has applied for, it becomes a little bit clearer why the Trust was ‘‘blown away’’ by the decision.

Also, because the grant was declined, any effort by the Trust to seek funding from another source may adversely affect future decisions.

Finally, if Creekfest doesn’t proceed the effect is devastating to the Porirua families and community. It is our children and us, families, that enjoy this funfilled day. Creekfest is the only event on the Porirua calendar that enables families to take part in free, organised activities and play and have fun together while being entertained by stunning local and national performances.

So please, where is the shortfall, as a result of MCGT’s decision not to fund Creekfest, going to come from? Is there a kind benefactor out there who has $30k to spare for this great cause?