In the case of local government, many councils are simply trying to restore infrastructure that was destroyed during the 2023 floods.
Neither has much wriggle room for expenditure on “nice to have” projects that might be considered when the books are in better shape.
Yet that real problem doesn’t seem to resonate with folk who expect our leaders to find large amounts of money for ideas that would have to take precedence over existing creative projects that have already been consented but are put on hold simply because the funding is at present not available.
As someone who has spent the last 45 years raising millions of dollars for much needed community projects, I must accept reality while trying to maintain public interest in the ones which are in the construction stages.
For those of us experienced in how the funding system works, it is very difficult to keep the focus on projects that will return a significant dividend to the tourism economy while also securing employment opportunities for those who depend on development projects that are visionary. At a time of restraint we have become reliant on the Local Council concentrating scarce resources on projects that are already on the Long Term District Plan.
Unfortunately however, we are fighting against pet projects that are being promoted by prominent ex politicians and Iwi leadership who have the ear of Government Ministers and Council Top Brass.
That doesn’t mean the projects they are promoting are not good ideas in themselves or that the promotors have a well earned reputation for successful oversight of their own ideas.
But in tough economic times they must be considered along with those already in the pipeline and be compared with others simply based on merit.
My concern is that our less high profile projects will struggle when these other new ideas become a higher priority simply because of the associated membership.
Here in Tairawhiti the Council have called for submissions on a plan to build a walkway / cycle trail around the East Coast linking the remote Eastern region to the existing Central North Island tourist trails.
I happen to think it is a very good idea but see no reason why it should take precedence over projects already in the pipeline that have stalled because of insufficient funding.
One of my projects already consented with feasibility study completed is an idea to build another destination on the East Coast tourism trail, adding to the Historic Tolaga Bay Wharf.
The Tokomaru Bay Heritage project is designed based on all the characteristics necessary to ensure success.
It has important Heritage status and is iconic - both components that are essential for projects of national importance.
The plan is to restore heritage buildings including a wharf and a NZ Shipping Company building that will create a complex capable of contributing to the local tourism economy, servicing existing local businesses and providing skills training opportunities for youth and unemployed residents.
The project has gained the support of local and central government funding agencies but is in danger of falling out of favour when the latest Cycle Trail overpowers the existing competition for existing scarce financial resources.
It is interesting to note the Local Council that is deciding on the Te Awa Tipuna Trail application for resource consent has already stated its unenviable position regarding funding of existing or future community projects.
It says it is totally focused on “ Recovery” during the next financial period - 2023 / 2027 and will not be spending any money on community projects during that time.
Understandable given the Council must, like us all, set priorities for spending when we have no choice. In this case, the restoration of infrastructure has to be the only priority.
That says it all really.
Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.
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