In The BOP Times, a recent Civic Precinct report states Tauranga City Council consultant Edward Guy of ‘Rationale' claims 'there would be more than 300,000 annual museum visits and more than 800,000 annual community hub visits”. It was not reported where these astonishing figures come from. Certainly, the Commissioners never questioned these 'predictions”. Does this consultant have a crystal ball or is there a formula/process/skill/normal people do not possess? Surely hugely speculative projects funded by ratepayers should be based on facts?
Maurice O'Reilly, Avenues.

TCC replies: Projected visitor estimates for the library/community hub and museum are outlined in the comprehensive Te Manawataki o Te Papa Business Case, which the Commission approved on July 24. These figures are based on demand forecasting modelling by rationale, and are formulated on the number of people who visit similar facilities in other cities and town centres, statistically adjusted to reflect Tauranga's population.