27 June 2013

Karori’s being left out: Council must review its spending

"Today’s Wellington City Council recommendation to fund a Karori Events Centre to the tune of $260 000 is a fraction of the $2 million required,” says Wellington City Council Onslow-Western Labour candidate, Malcolm Aitken.

“Karori is missing out. Here’s another example. Last night at the Karori Community Centre’s (KCC) AGM it was confirmed that the council will continue funding the KCC at only about $49 000 per year for the next three years, which unfortunately won’t cut it.

“The youth worker at the KCC has recently helped at-risk local youth find a place to sleep, rather than sleeping rough. The KCC hosts Plunket B4 School Health Checks, exercise groups and a drop in centre. It refers young people for alcohol and drug counselling and provides a space for community groups to meet, as well as a drop in centre.

“Yet the youth worker’s job is under threat, and the future of the KCC altogether. A lot of vulnerable people are going to fall through the cracks if KCC goes under. The KCC management committee has looked far and wide for other funding, but it’s hard.

“There is not an endless supply of Council money. So, we need to re-prioritise. If I am elected to Wellington City Council in October I will champion community services including this one. Funding essential community services that no one else is picking up is more important than paying the CCO (Council Controlled Organisation) Chairs way more than the Mayor, for a start.

“Wellington City can also save money through bringing services in house and conducting intelligent value for money exercises which, rather than simply cutting or drastically limiting community services with all the damage that causes, focus on smarter ways of saving money. Let’s go for the smarter options.”

ENDS

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