The frenetic activity currently being whipped up about this has been accumulating over many years, despite clear messages from past councils/TCC ratepayers. Councillors resolved that it should be 'community funded' i.e. not TCC ratepayers and to provide consented land – the proponents spared little desire in targeting prime, valuable CBD sites such as Cliff Rd/Willow St.

TCC gave $125,000 to a self-appointed committee to investigate and determine how it's to all be paid. The result: no funding and a desire for TCC ratepayers to pay all. Still no sign of a feasible business plan, nor realistic costs for all of this.

As we head to early 2018 and yet more deliberations, the build-cost is rising, perhaps $30 million. With a small contribution, maybe ex central government of $5 million, this means more debt of $25 million. But the worst part of it all is the very likely annual losses that will be anywhere from $5-10 million per annum – these will all be added to rates each year. The Art Gallery at $800,000 plus per annum cost to TCC ratepayers provides a miniature version of modus operandi for these groups when demanding unjustified spend by ratepayers.

The 'benefits' of this debt avalanche are indeed marginal for TCC ratepayers as a whole. Perhaps the best answer would be full disclosure and then a binding referendum – that would resolve all finally.

I Stevenson, Tauranga. (Abridged)