So what is the good news for the 2012 New Year?
Well, for starters we have learned that Smartgrowth has been given a new lease of life when everyone, including most TCC Councillors thought it had died a natural death after being discredited on its flawed ‘growth pays for growth' and ‘growth for growths sake' philosophies. But no, here it is larger than life. With no legal standing, it is not even a real entity and is being kept on life-support by those with vested interests in its very existence, just like 'a meal ticket”. This time the subject of its affection is local body amalgamation, a la ‘BOP style'!
Then of course there is the Waterfront Redevelopment circus, with TCC trying to work out how to spend $30 million on trees, grass and boardwalks which will be one of life's little mysteries. However, if you deal to it by instalments and employ a mega-group to do it then it makes life a lot easier to achieve and justify, a la ‘Mount Hot Pools style'!
The Marine Park precinct still lurks in the wings, the Museum zealots are still on the prowl and there is continued leakage of substantial funds (wastage) at the Mount Hot Pools moneyfest.
The one standout positive is with the Jazz Festival headline act drama as it is said most initial tickets are sold with more promised so it is clear the $90,000 Council loan and the $30,000 top-up, both of which were made quite contrary to Council's own policy, won't be needed now as the ticket monies banked can be used to pay Earth, Wind and Fire (so no liability there). This means any unauthorised TCC funding can be paid back now or not paid out at all.
Any information on these projects should be readily available from Mayor Crosby or Councillors Molloy and Baldock, as they are rabid supporters of these things little gems.

R Paterson, Matapihi.