I find it a touch of elitism that from July 1, 2024, a number of the boat ramps in Tauranga are going to have a $20 charge to use levied, whereas all New Zealanders can visit the Tauranga Art Gallery for free, even though the ratepayers of Tauranga contributes over $1.2 million a year towards its running costs. There is probably more people who make use of the boat ramps than use the art gallery in 12 months.

Interesting also is that according to the art gallery’s statement of intent to Tauranga City Council 2022 to 2025, it says the following in its income and expenditure section: For 2023-2024 Income in the form of donations, fundraising and similar revenue is forecast to be $382,000. In the expenditure column expenses related to public fundraising are forecast to be $384,106!

Kevin Powell, Pāpāmoa.