Now some Councillors egged on by Priority One and Chamber of Commerce initiatives, are revisiting ratepayers funding a big TV screen for RWC, latching onto surplus funds in the Events account.
They should be aware: -
• Surplus Event moneys are TCC ratepayers' funds.
• On a media poll, 80% voting said it should not be ratepayer funded, only 20% said it should.
• Non-liquor zone and the screen will not be properly viewable from the Strand itself. The larger the screen, the worse the picture definition.
• Security is an issue.
Families with kids will not be at the alcohol-fuelled Strand destination late at night to watch any big TV screen. Many Sporting Clubs, R.S.A's and Bars already have large TV screens.
Bad weather is an issue and if it is raining then viewing outside at night will not be a goer.
It seems RWC consent is not available to screen live RWC games so that is the end of it. Shouldn't TCC have made that enquiry first, instead of wasting time and money on investigations? The critics are correct, it is a no-brainer for 8 days (15-23 October) to cover only the semi-finals and finals (3 games) at a cost of $42,275! What if the All Blacks don't make the semi-finals or final?

R Paterson, Matapihi.