Zoo Plan

Geoff from Rototuna North

The Zoo Plan is out for public consultation submissions close next Fri 19 May 17.
Background/Process
The Zoo Plan should have never have gone to consultation it was the result of Paula Southgate using her casting vote to push it over the line.
A wise chair will nearly always exercise their casting vote to “preserve the status quo“. That means they will vote so the situation does NOT change. In most circumstances, that means that they will vote against the proposal.
By preserving the status quo, the issue is free to be raised again at a later meeting when there is more support. But the reason wise people vote this way is that if the casting vote is used to change something, then the decision has in reality been made by one person – the person in the chair. As many people are in favour as are against and it is not a sound decision.
Empirical research shows that decisions that are made upon a casting vote nearly always get reversed at a following meeting and the people who regularly use their casting votes to make changes, are often challenged for their position when they come up for election.
Plan/Cost(s)
The Master Plan details Phase Descriptions with time lines but all costs are TBA, the Capacity Calculations and Summary of Guest Features and Facilities have no costs and with no funding allocated to the plan. The Mayor and Councillors would consider funding the plan, or some of the initiatives included, as part of its 10-Year Plan process.
Council is asking ratepayers to consider the plan the when they are totally denied any cost(s) or budget. The only mention of any money was $15.5m from the mayor during debate of the Zoo Plan.
Ratepayers being asked to decide on a project with no cost(s) – Would make a Tui ad and is morally corrupt.
The Master Plan is couched in flowery feel good language
“The Zoo is an extension of the community, reflecting its hopes and aspirations for the future, as well as its willingness to pay for services of a potentially intangible nature. The Zoo must develop a deep understanding of not only its visitors, but also the community at large in order to develop trust and secure their support”.
“An ambiance that enables the community to share informal conversations and quiet moments that reconnect us to one another and to our shared love of Nature”.
Can someone translate, what does that mean?
It was written by an American so there is language such as sidewalk for footpaths and was first presented to Council in 2014.
Consultation Document
There is no ability to download printable submission form; this restricts the ability to submit.
(That may be the aim)
Question 2 asks How do you think the Zoo Plan should be funded?
Gives a range of responses but without costs there is no idea of the cost to the ratepayer, it is difficult to provide a reasoned answer.
Council seeks $1,667,500 to fund the “Free” Parking. If believe $26 is too much, multiply your Capital Value by 0.000251 to establish what you will actually pay.
The Zoo Plan is estimated to seek $15.5 million, imagine that passed onto the ratepayer. It is proposed to address during Long Term Plan debate October 2017. In view of council finances the Zoo Plan appears to be pouring petrol on the fire.
Mark Bunting summed up the Zoo Plan saying there were only two possible outcomes of going to the public now. People would either like the plan(s) or say “You’ve just told us you were broke, you numpty”
Submissions close next Fri 19 May 17
haveyoursay.hamilton.govt.nz...