Mayor salutes value of Ieper trip despite spend criticism
Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate says her trip to the sister city of Ieper in Belgium in an area host to many New Zealand war graves - has been well worth it, despite criticisms of the cost as high rate rises loom locally.
The trip - for her and council māngai Māori representative Lieutenant Colonel Olly Te Ua - is to cost up to $10,300.
In messages responding to Waikato Times queries this week about the trip, Southgate said the budget had been approved and bookings made last year, with nothing refundable.
“Would I plan it now? No. Was it a valuable trip. Yes absolutely. Our trip was highly appreciated by all people we met.”
Hamilton and Ieper had many mutual areas of interest.
“During my visit, I spoke to Ieper’s mayor Emmily Talpe about mutual priorities, such as education, housing, sustainability, promoting peace and developing young leaders.
“Ieper treasures our bond as much as we do, so it was wonderful to discuss how we can further strengthen our ties in mutually beneficial ways.”
Around 4600 New Zealand soldiers, many from Hamilton and Waikato, were killed in battles at Belgium’s Flanders fields between 1917 and 1918.
On her emotions at honouring New Zealand war dead, Southgate said: “I found it incredibly moving to stand on the actual battlefields and in the trenches, where our
ANZACs fell.
“We experienced some of the bitter weather that they endured, which gave us a sense of the ghastly conditions they faced. The memorials and cemeteries are so beautifully kept. I could see and feel the genuine respect and deep care that the people of Ieper and Flanders show to our fallen.”
She said Ieper was “delighted” with two new panels from Hamilton that she unveiled at the entrance to Ieper’s Hamilton Park during her visit.
“To me, it feels right that the park Ieper named in our honour is marked by a fitting entrance. It is significant that no other city has a park named for them in Ieper. Here, in Hamilton, we have the beautiful Ieper memorial garden, built in 2018.”
Hamilton firm Longveld made and donated the panels and Porter Group covered the freight cost.
Southgate, now having a post-visit break in Europe, said she had remained busy reading 10-year long term plan submissions.
“I have asked staff to look again at our capital programme, to see what additional projects can be deferred, particularly in the first five years.”