Dunedin pullEd off a fabulous weekend

TWO months ago I wrote an opinion piece in the ODT on the topic of how will Dunedin cope with the biggest event even seen in our history (Ed’s concerts at Easter) and ‘‘are we ready’’ with the planning.

This included some ideas on making the weekend (and the logistics) a great experience for locals and visitors alike.

At that time I did not realise work had begun behind the scenes by many people from across the city. Now the longawaited weekend is over I would like to congratulate all those involved in this project from across the Dunedin City Council. Enterprise Dunedin, Dunedin City Venues/ Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Not only were the concerts exceptional, it seems the entire weekend was without doubt a huge success for the city, including from an economic perspective.

It was very well organised, with unique ideas only Dunedin can showcase and deliver on. The various extras like the Ed mural, and closure of part of the Octagon as an entertainment zone, added to the uniqueness as finishing touches.

I hope the concert promoters and majority of the visitors to the city had a fantastic experience. Feedback I have heard is overwhelmingly positive and let’s hope the Dun‘‘Ed’’in way of doing things leads to more opportunities for the city, and events and concerts the rest of the country sit up and take notice of. A. Anderson

Dunedin

FIVE or six motorists would have found their vehicles missing after leaving the Ed Sheeran concert on March 31.

Their cars were safely parked in a recess on State Highway 88 just past the roundabout.

However, just along the road were lots more cars parked in a much narrower space. But they were not towed away.

It makes me sad to think of the local and national bureaucrats who spoil life for their fellow human beings with their mindless regulations and their petty adherence to them.

Ian Williams Ravensbourne

Plunket funding worries

LIKE many who have given funds to Plunket over the years, or stood on a cold street to help raise funds for this very worthy organisation, I was shocked to learn head office had 11 staff being paid more than $180,000 a year.

Adding insult to injury was the lady at head office saying you had to pay that sort of money to get the right people.

If this is so, why did it spend nearly $2 million on consultants?

Next time when it comes time to give, will I be the only one wondering if I am supporting a worthy cause or contributing to large pay for head office staff? Mel R. Tapp

Balclutha

Better signs needed

IT is with some sadness that I read of the need for a review of the operations of The Whitestone City Attraction in Oamaru because of muchlowerthanexpected income (ODT, 4.4.18).

Having visited it recently, my wife and I were more than impressed. It is a wonderful addition to the heritage precinct and should in fact be a must for every visitor to the area. There is much to enjoy in this handson experience.

However, I am not surprised it has not attracted the numbers it deserves. I feel it must have a much more prominent profile in the main street of the precinct, where it is easy to miss the small signage and back entrance.

The main entrance at the rear of the precinct on the sea side is well out of the way and easy to miss. Even the signage here is totally inadequate.

A close look at the publicity for it in all ways may be the first step in the right direction. Whitestone City deserves better support.

Neville Idour

Maori Hill