Public submissions are now open regarding a proposal by the New Zealand Geographic Board to rename the Otumoetai suburb so it includes a macron.

Proposals relating to Stokes Beach, Otumoetai Beach, Otumoetai Channel, Otumoetai Pa and Otumoetai Suburb were published in the ‘NZ Gazette' on June 5, 2014, seeking submissions for a three-month period ending September 5, 2014.

The proposals will also be published on the LINZ website. Here are links: www.linz.govt.nz/about-linz/news-publications-and-consultations/news-and-notices/stokes-beach-and-ot%C5%ABmoetai-beach-name-proposals and www.linz.govt.nz/node/8171

Mauao Reserve Management Plan review and CPTED

An interesting item from internal staff submissions received last week during the Annual Plan process was for a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design review for Mauao.

I support safety and tree trimming but I'm concerned at spending $3000 for a consultant to carry out this kind of assessment.

Will this translate to further expenditure for lights or safety rails being installed on Mauao? I hope not. People walk in this environment knowing it is a natural bush setting and need to take some degree of self responsibility with regards to their own safety.

Annual Plan deliberations completed

Elected members completed Annual Plan deliberations in the Chamber last week. A rates increase of 2 per cent plus 4.7 per cent storm water levy, which in effect is a 6.7 per cent rate increase.

The rates increase is higher than I would like to see, however the stormwater issues do need to be addressed. This levy is in addition to a stormwater budget figure in the Annual Plan of $5.5million. The Annual Plan is due to be adopted on June 24.

Baycourt and Bob Addison tribute

I recently attended the opening of the Addison Theatre, previously named Centennial Theatre, at Baycourt.

Bob Addison made a huge contribution to the arts and theatre in Tauranga, both through his time at Otumoetai College and as an advocate for Baycourt Theatre, which he subsequently managed for many years.

Bob Addison was a mentor to many locals who have gone on to enjoy careers in theatre and teaching. As one former student put it: 'Thanks for putting stars in our eyes so we could pass the shine on”.