Submission Details
Full Name:
Tanya Austin
Business/Organisation (if applicable):
Date Submitted
2024-04-18 20:17:17
Te Aroha Spa
What do you think we should do?
Proposed option: Continue investigating options?
Any other comments on Te Aroha Spa:
I believe we should do something for Te Aroha as it is in a state of decline. While we realize the spa is an asset, I think we need to work on many different aspects of making our town a place visitors will come and stay longer than a day to bring money into our economy. Reports have already been done by the council in the past and they say similar things about creating better entrances to town, signage to our domain, retaining the history of our main street buildings, utilizing our river better as an attraction. Personally, I would like to see the fund used as grant money for bigger projects in town that align with the vision we decide on as a town. There is a group of us wanting to create a "town plan" similar to Reefton and figuring out where we want to see our town head in the future. This is what I would like to present to council as an idea to utilize that money.
Roading
What do you think we should do?
Alternative option: Keep roading renewals at the current level?
Any other comments on roading renewals:
This could become a safety issue and cost more in the long-run. I think we should pay what is required to keep the standard.
Walking and cycling improvements
What do you think we should do?
Proposed option: Stop budgeting for new walking and cycling connections and safety improvements?
Do you have any comments on this?
To keep costs down I agree this could wait
Town Centre infrastructure
What do you think we should do?
Alternative option: Stick to the plan?
Do you have any comments on this?
These costs are going to always be growing, better to do small steps as we go rather than let the towns degrade and the costs will be higher when we decide it has to be done.
Additional playgrounds
What do you think we should do?
Proposed option: Limit playground improvements to the planned new playgrounds for Te Aroha and Matamata?
Do you have any comments on this?
Te Aroha needs young families to move here to grow. An amazing playground at the domain would be another drawcard for families to set up their home here.
Stage for the Matamata-Piako Civic and Memorial Centre
What do you think we should do?
Alternative option: Keep the project in the work programme, but defer it a few years?
Do you have any comments on this?
Let the community do the investigation and work instead of allocating money to investigation and seed fund, set it up as money toward the addition to the centre.
Te Aroha Library
What do you think we should do?
Proposed option: Investigate and deliver a suitable building to continue providing library services in Te Aroha?
Any other comments on Te Aroha Library:
Earthquake proof the building, it's fine as it is as not so many people are utilizing it, but the building is important and the service is important.
The services we provide
What do you think we should do?
Alternative option: Cut Council services to get the rates increase lower?
Any other comments on this?
I think if there are opportunities to make cuts, then we should look into them. Certain facilities don't need to be open every day or for the entire day. Don't close the Waihou transfer station, we are always going to need waste facilities. Fees could be directed more onto those who actually use them (aerodrome). Create reserves that don't require mowing or as much maintenance.
Our Approach to Rates and Debt
What do you think we should do?
Proposed option: Accept that our rates need a significant increase in the year ahead to manage the significant increase in costs set out in the Consultation Document?
Do you have any comments?
For anyone unable to pay rates, there will be ways for them to find help to pay them. WINZ etc. People are always going to complain, if services fall below expectations and the costs end up being greater in the future that is not fair on the future generation.
Final Comments and Attachments
Do you have any other comments to add to your submission?
https://www.mpdc.govt.nz/pdf/CouncilDocuments/Reports/Project_Te%20Aroha_Townscape_&_Heritage_Report_September_1992.pdf https://www.mpdc.govt.nz/pdf/CouncilDocuments/Plans/ReserveManagementPlans/DomainRMPa.pdf Te Aroha is an amazing place to live and bring up the next generation. It deserves to have some money spent on community initiatives. Once we understand our vision for the town, every small project that assists reaching that goal will be a step closer to see it becoming a reality and growth brings money and people to town, growth brings more rate payers. Reports seem to say the same things so we just need to action them.
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