Why we must fight to keep the arts in Wellington

Taxpayers from North Cape to Bluff will soon be asked to fork out $2.6 billion for a waterfront stadium in Auckland – another financial and event drain on New Zealand to keep Auckland voters happy. No matter that a few years ago we forked out $426m for Eden Park.

The political influence of Auckland is huge and mercenary. Politicians have no loyalty to Wellington whatsoever.

We have lost industry, commerce, events, sports tournaments and families to Auckland over the years. I won’t mention the number of concerts etc that Wellington misses out on, with the loss of the accompanying injection of domestic tourism to our city because of a lack of venues.

(Feb 20), about the revamp of our historic Town Hall, contained about 800 words of dismal negativity emphasising the cost. Where was the enthusiastic vision in the article?

Only the last four lines were devoted to what was to be housed in the upgraded facility: the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Music Centre, in conjunction with Victoria University.

Wellington needs real growth – something that has been ignored by the last three mayors.

Some of my work is in Auckland. There are constant voices to move the arts to Cultureless Auckland, including the Royal NZ Ballet, School of Dance, Symphony Orchestra, to name just a few.

Wellington politicians, few in number and not that powerful, would lose that battle, and probably wouldn’t even go in to bat for fear of losing.

We must keep the arts in Wellington. The cost should be regional and not just a burden on Wellington ratepayers.

Phil Stratford, Lower Hutt