RHODODENDRON LAWNS - VICTORY FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAMILTON
NEW ZEALAND - HAMILTON - THE PEOPLE PUSHING BACK, VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY
A swell of love for a lawn space has pushed back a decision on Hamilton Gardens redevelopments.
Plans to move a car park onto the site of the Rhododendron Lawn riled many gardens lovers, and concerned users such as the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival.
Hamilton City Council's idea was to create space for more themed gardens, a better entry point for the gardens and to ease traffic congestion on busy days.
But, after a groundswell of support for keeping the lawn where it is, city councillors have handed off the decision to the next council - to be elected in October.
There was a packed public gallery in council chambers on Thursday afternoon, when councillors were due to say yes, no, or not now to the plan.
Councillor Mark Bunting suggested delaying the decision so the community could have more time to have a say, and councillors voted 8-4 in support.
Earlier, they'd heard about concerns from Creative Waikato and the Hamilton Garden Arts Festival Trust, and that a later decision would simply slow down the start of the work.
Council would also have to talk to a potential sponsor to see if that would affect their interest in the project.
Those who voted against putting off the decision were Crs Ryan Hamilton, Garry Mallett, Rob Pascoe, and Leo Tooman.
Cr Paula Southgate had put in apologies for the meeting.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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58.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.5% No, individuals should take responsibility
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16.2% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Tamahere home in dentist case was once centre of accountant’s fraud
It’s been a feature in a recent Hamilton District Court trial , but a Tamahere mansion already has an complicated history.
The property in Woodcock Rd - notable for having a hydroslide in the back yard - the scene of now-disproved alleged sexual offending by Hamilton dentist Rahul Gautam - made headlines more than 15 years ago, when it was a focus in the case of accountant Gary Soffe.
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