Report from Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance
You will recall my last email was about the ridiculous quarter of a million dollar mirror Auckland Council erected on Thursday above O'Connel Street.
I am sorry to report that, over the weekend, the mirror cracked.
This is the same mirror that was supposed to cost $80,000, but blew out to $260,000. It's already broken.
Yes it’s cracked.
You can read the NZ Herald coverage (including our comments) here: Auckland's controversial new $260,000 mirror sculpture has cracked open less than a week after it was officially unveiled.
But a Council official says there’s nothing to see here…
Auckland Council’s Arts and Culture Manager Richard McWha said the cracks were "not unexpected and typical of many such art installations".
Mr McWha told the Herald that "After installation, there has been some minor separation between the brass and the substrate, most likely due to some expansion after initial exposure to the elements, resulting in what appears to be cracks."
What claptrap. Who erects a mirror 30 feet in the air expecting it to need repairing a week later? Did no one think it would be exposed to the elements?!
We’re encouraging our supporters to email Mr McWha and the Mayor.
Tell them what you think about your money being used for the mirror.
How do you feel paying higher rates and Phil Goff's new Regional Fuel Tax so the Council has money to waste on this sort of project? Email Mr McWha and the Mayor here.
send Them an email....
Thank you for your support,
Jo Holmes
Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance
www.ratepayers.nz...
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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80.4% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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19.6% No. This would be impossible in practice.
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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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Chinese new year new stock now in store
Whether it’s time to declutter or a time to bring the new we have something here for you at the Orewa Red Cross op shop. Located behind McDonald’s in Hilary house, Hilary square, Orewa.
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