Hamilton Gardens
So, Hamilton City Council is contemplating a charge for entry to the Hamilton Gardens, $25 is the figure mentioned. This will probably reduce as residents object. It is a well known fact that Hamilton Gardens is the jewel in Hamilton’s crown, and the biggest attraction for the city.
It has been built by the community pulling together, sharing resources, and through generous donations. Our residents own the Gardens. We didn’t make them for council to make a profit for themselves. Which residents will be exempt from the charges? Just ratepayers, or Hamiltonians? Does this include our close neighbouring communities? Will our ratepayers’ visitors be exempt?
There is an erroneous belief that that this new charge will make a lot of money from overseas tourists. These people now stop in their busloads to use the toilets, then have a quick self-guided tour, avoiding the shop area. If there is a charge these buses will no longer stop, unless perhaps, the toilets are in the enclosed area! As was pointed out in your article, overseas companies have said they will no longer visit should charges be made.
Has council thought of the costs involved? An entrance building would be required to link the shop and to receive the money. This would require staff for 364 days a year.
If council is to make these changes, along with cutting the Garden’s administrative budget, this would effectively wave goodbye to our top Trip Advisor rating and to our status as one of the top gardens of the world.
Rather than looking at it as a cash cow, why don’t we extend and enliven the Gardens so that they have even more pulling power for Hamilton, whilst allowing ALL our own citizens to have easy access to enjoy them.
Marilyn Yeoman
Hamilton Write to: Editor Waikato Times, Private Bag 3086, Hamilton 3240, or email editor@waikatotimes.co.nz. Letters may be edited or declined and should not exceed 200 words.
Full residential addresses and phone numbers are required and, if possible, daytime phone numbers.
No noms de plume, no poetry.