Some people in the community are advocating for a new museum for Tauranga. As a descendant of an 1840 settler I have always had an interest in local Tauranga history, however I have concerns. Concern that 30 per cent of government funding is dependent on unelected tribal leaders dictating the location and who knows what else. Concern that the highly-indebted council that is raising rates by 27 per cent over the next three years can afford this luxury, bearing in mind that these projects never seem to turn out within budget or even close. There are plenty of examples – the art gallery springs to mind. Concern that the council does not have a good track record of overseeing building projects. Bella Vista homes, the courthouse and its own building in Willow Street are examples, among others. Concern about the real interest and whether the artefacts in storage have ever been catalogued and made available online to gauge that interest. Surely a low-cost first step that would make a great student project. Museums are facilities that people only use occasionally and there are far more pressing concerns around infrastructure at this time in my opinion.

G Faulkner, Welcome Bay.