I can not sit back and not comment on the Hundertwasser Art Centre project.

First - international data and research show land prices or rents in city neighbourhoods both before and after stadiums or iconic buildings were constructed in their midst rose by anything from 8 to 15%. That's great for those in the immediate vicinity of the Town Basin...or is it? Their rates/rent  will go up just due to Land Values increasing. 

Evidence showed that, internationally, stadiums / iconic buildings are responsible for a significant increase in values but this effect drops as you move away from them. The long-term economic benefit is more difficult to predict. 

And in the case of the Hundertwasser build, we should be showing a little more reserve before clapping those few who lobbied and pushed to get it.This small group of  'dedicated enthusiasts' have certainly done a fantastic job but look at it this way - we have let this small group completely dominate and sway the decision making towards their end goal. I believe many who voted for this in the referendum, that incidentally had the third option of Demolition placed in there not by elected members of council but by a staff member - were just sick and tired of the entire drama that had dragged on for so many years.  

Regardless if you were in favour or not, some key questions have been completely washed over.

Where are the guarantors of this structure now? Do we know who they are? No. 

The Northland Regional Council has committed $1.5 million and the Whangarei District Council has made a commitment to contribute $2.8 million for earthquake strengthening, new foundations, refurbishment and the access road to the commercial fishing wharf.

This won't be enough. Our rates are going to go up again.

When we have to pay for the new build for Council, the new airport and the new water treatment plant and a debt of over $200 million to start with, a rates increase is certain and a big one at that. On top of the already 9% increase we've just had.

The HAC will have significant maintenance costs when the tiles start to show wear and tear ie cracks and mold in grout, leaks and God forbid sink-age, if we don't get those massive numbers calling in to see it,( where are they all going to park ?)  ...who is going to foot the bill ? 

So please, let us be aware that this may be a project that puts Whangarei on the visitor maps but it may also be one that puts us on the map for all the wrong reasons. 

Remember why visitors come to Northland..for our sunny days, our beaches, our fabulous walks, our native bush and Kauri trees - in general, we have the best environment in the world already.

I will applaud this project if it does not cost the rate payer another cent. If it does indeed bring financial gain to the region and if the guarantors show their hands. Let me know when that all happens...I could be sunning myself on the beach.

The views expressed are those of the author alone and may not reflect the views of Better! Whangarei.

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