Catherine Stewart Tauranga City Councillor

Elected members continued Long Term Plan discussions and decisions this week.

Decisions were made as to what projects and financials would go into our Long Term Plan.

This is by no means set in concrete as the community will have an opportunity to make submissions between March and April.

Elected members will deliberate during the first week of June. It's always best to spend as much time at the front end of the discussions to go out with the best plan prior to consultation.

In this regard, elected members have requested an extra council meeting to fine-tune the draft before going to the auditors and then back to council to be adopted in March.

The proposed closing of the tropical flower house has raised a lot of feedback and I'm not surprised.

Elected members have requested a breakdown of costs to understand what makes up the $95,000 per annum costs.

Noel Petersen is interested in co-ordinating a group of volunteers.

If any club, organisation or individual wishes to come up with ideas or offer assistance, either contact Noel Petersen 027 223 0103 or make your own submission to council in March/April.

I'd be disappointed if this iconic facility was closed down. I've received many positive comments from people saying it should stay and even expand.

Too often new projects are put forward while neglecting what we have...which leads me to The Historic Village.

Many clubs, organisations and individuals have spent a lot of time, effort and money in years gone by to create a wonderful community asset which is unique in Tauranga.

There are four heritage listed buildings on site with another 10 significantly historical/heritage buildings at the village.

Unfortunately, the village hasn't been treated in the same manner as other council facilities have, and only a minimal amount of money has been spent during many years, with tenants' rents taking care of overheads.

It is time for fairness and equity – the Arataki community centre is about 95 per cent ratepayer-subsidised and The Historic Village almost zero.

Elected members have requested seismic reports on the buildings before they consider a wide range of options on a continuum line of invest to divest and everything in-between.

As Tauranga has lost many iconic buildings and landmarks such as the old Town Hall and Coronation Pier, I hope we can find a common sense way forward that retains and enhances The Historic Village.

I look forward to your submissions on this topic.