http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/comment/index BangTheTable.com - Providing the community and government with a new way to engage in public policy debate http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 VivA said "As someone who is lucky enough to own a property on a gully in Riverlea, I have really enjoyed the benefits of being part of the gully restoration programme. I understand this programme is one of the areas the council is considering cutting back. I'd like the council to reconsider given the benefits this programme brings not only to individuals but also to communities and the whole city. With the support of Tim N, our little group has planted trees and learned about eliminating noxious weeds and pest animals. We've only just begun, but the economics are simple... For the cost of one employing one person at the council, a whole lot of work has been done by a team of residents, taking responsibility for their own properties and carrying out the work that would otherwise require a team of council workers to complete! Less tangible in dollar terms but probably even more 'valuable' are the other benefits. Apart from improvements to our natural environment (encouragement of tui being just one example) there are health benefits for the people involved who get out and do the graft. There are also enormous social benefits in getting to know our neighbours - and even an increased sense of security as people who know each other look out for each other and their properties. Can't put a price on genuine community! This programme adds value in so many ways. Please keep it. " 2012-01-27 17:32:21 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "I take cost-benefit estimations with several grains of salt. The Times and other media should take care to look at the assumptions behind such numbers. Can anyone answer our question about naming rights? It would be a shame to lose international cricket games. I don't know where the $360,000 would come from, though. How certain is that figure? Are there funds available apart from Council?" 2011-12-20 22:21:43 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "Hah. You've proposed something I haven't heard from anyone else. Thanks for the creative thinking. I'd love to see something great done with that wall! The land bridge over Anglesea is a tantalising idea - like you say, probably not practical at the moment, but an inspiring thought none the less. How did you come to this suggestion?" 2011-12-20 22:18:27 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years mrjmsmith said "Hi CommunityBuff, I am not sure why not. Seddon Park used to be Westpac Trust park or something like that. The $360,000 is for upgrades required for the changing rooms. This needs to be done to keep international cricket in Hamilton. In 2015 New Zealand and Australia or co-hosting the Cricket World Cup, I believe that if not done we will loose hosting rights. I am not sure if the upgrade needs to be done prior to this to continue to host international games in 2012 2013 2014. Would be a shame to loose these games, they nearly always sell out and are a great way to showcase our city. I assume if the international games are lost then the HRV Cup and domestic competitions will be next leaving Seddon Park as an unused venue that will cost money to maintain but not bring in any revenue. Based on figures in the Waikato Times, even with the expense to upgrade the changing rooms the economic benefit to the city/region will be $700,000.00 Does anyone know why our event venuesare not offering naming rights???" 2011-12-17 11:19:40 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Robbie said "There are two options that I can see - a cheap one that uses the rail corridor and joins across to the lake on the playing fields side. This would also be a very useful commuting path to town if the roads were subordinated. If it was suitably landscaped and linked at the town end this would be a natural corrider desire line, but does not give any decent views en route. The expensive bit (I suspect) would be the road bridge at Lake Road. The more expensive option - not practial in our current fiscal situation - would be to go up though the Wintec campus by building a land bridge over Anglesea at the HCC building (suitbly reduced in height, but extended over the road so that it forms the bridge and we would get to walk all over council for once) and following the ridgeline through. This would provide a natural linkage from the hill through to Victoria street, and get rid of the dreaded wall once and for all. The former solution would be good for mobility impaired as well, the second could be problematic due to gradients, but quite something to see if done well." 2011-12-16 17:49:03 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "I too would like fewer natives in roadside plantings. We're not asking for gorse, just a bit more colour and variety. Groundcover and low shrubs with a khaki tone, especially, are just too much on the eye. That said, here's to maintaining Victoria Street now that the city has done so much work there. I like the south end more the way it is now. " 2011-12-16 16:25:38 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "HCC - Please heed Roses' note and go look at that section of Comries Road. Many older people walk to Chartwell on that stretch. Roses - I hope the Council helps your neighbourhood out soon. " 2011-12-16 16:20:30 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "Forgive my ignorance...how come our event venues do not offer naming rights? To be honest, I hadn't noticed.... My uneducated reaction is that no harm is done by selling name rights for a time - the revenue would surely be welcome. I've heard about the need to upgrade Seddon Park, but I don't understand the extent of the proposed upgrades or what postponing these works would mean for the park. I expect other ratepayers share my position. It's easy just to look at the six-figure sum and think that "Council is spending too much again". So...what's going on at Seddon? :)" 2011-12-16 16:08:29 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "I like the idea of linking the city and the lake. How do you imagine this could be done, Robbie? " 2011-12-16 16:04:26 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "Thanks for answering this question, City Voice. May I suggest that the moderator adds a tab to this webpage with your answer? Visitors to this site need to know that their opinions make a difference. Merry Christmas! Here's to a truly good 2012 for this city." 2011-12-16 16:03:39 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years mrjmsmith said "Hamilton City needs to be very carefull with its direction over the next few years. It needs to spend money wisely and to look at the whole picture. Example is the Seddon Park upgrade. This is an absolute must. Figures need to bne put into context so that Ratepayers can get a true feeling rather just comparing the $$$ to their own paychecks. Hamilton City cannot afford to loose its event draw cards. I agree with the current model of not selling naming rights for our sporting/event centres. But in these times I think this is a luxury. Seddon Park, Waikato Stadium and Claudelands event centre could all add extra return to help offset the running cost simply by adding a brand/business name to the mix. The only catch is finding the best price and attaching a time frmae to this. Waikato Stadium could become ANZ Stadium for $500,000 for 5 years. This seems to be the case in most other cities and countries stadi that I have visited." 2011-12-16 13:44:56 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years mrjmsmith said "As someone who works in the CBD I like the changes to Garden Place and Hood st. It has made both places better in many ways." 2011-12-16 13:36:20 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years mrjmsmith said "CBD vs the Base vs Westfield. Just look at Tauranga as an example. With the CBD, Bayfair and now Fraser Cove. The CBD needs to showcase its advantages via Cafe's, Restaurants etc. Big Box retail cannot compet with the atmosphere a CBD can provided." 2011-12-16 13:32:41 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years mrjmsmith said "Hamilton and the Waikato Region has a proud sporting pedigre that cannot be ignored." 2011-12-16 13:27:01 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years City Voice said "Hi CommunityBuff, The site is managed by an internal ‘moderator’ and the various postings are read by a group of key staff involved in the development of the 10-Year Plan. Comments are also circulated to other relevant staff if there is a specific query we can’t answer. The Mayor and Councillors have a link to the site to help inform their decision making as part of the 10-Year Plan and I understand a number view the site and postings. In addition to this, the chat room postings were reproduced in hard copy in late September and were provided to Elected Members as part of a meeting agenda pack. Is it a valid place to share thoughts? Yes! The Council developed the site and the chat room function as we are interested in all forms of feedback – not just feedback through formal submission processes. We’ve been pleased with the uptake too. We’ve had over 5,500 visitors to the site to date, over 600 registered to participate in the chat rooms and 280 downloaded documents. Thanks for being a regular poster and for encouraging dialogue from others. Season’s greetings to you and your family. " 2011-12-15 16:57:47 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Robbie said "Bring the river path up on to Victoria Street through the City Heart Link the city with the lake with a quality off-road facility." 2011-12-12 17:32:57 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Robbie said "Prioritise active transport (walking/cycling) access into town especially over to Cluadelands - a simple test/demonstration if effective would be to make Claudelands bridge one lane for motor vehicles - inbound in the mornings and outbound in the evenings." 2011-12-12 17:32:12 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "Thanks for letting the rest of us know about this option." 2011-11-30 20:46:13 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Thomo1 said "I pay extra to have a solid green bin,picked up by the same company at the same time as rubbish collection,but keeps all rubbish safe from dogs and blowing down the street. If all used the bins, we would only have to put rubbish out once a fortnight,thus saving on collection fees. Bins would take two rubbish bags or the larger ones three.Different sizes available. " 2011-11-30 12:32:41 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "So...who in Council reads these posts? What happens to our ideas? Is this a valid place to share our thoughts or do we need to make formal submissions to Council instead? " 2011-11-30 11:00:10 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "Hi Kiwigirl. Check out http://www.hamiltoncentral.co.nz/. I'm not sure when you were in the city around the RWC, but I saw lots of shop owners hanging flags in their windows and making special displays. That's one of the things I like about the CBD: unlike at The Base and Chartwell, Hamilton Central has many owner-operators who put their heart into their business. I've been so impressed with the service and attention to detail I've had from some of these folk. " 2011-11-30 10:35:13 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "I think the principle of protecting future options is a good one. I hope the right people read your submission, Rex. " 2011-11-30 10:19:56 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "I've had a chat with some of the folk involved with Garden Place. I no longer think that the changes to Garden Place are unnecessary (even if I don't like everything that's been done). Hamilton NEEDS a healthy, vibrant city centre. We need Garden Place to work well. It's the civic hub of the city and a good barometer of the health of the CBD. We don't want our city to have the inner-city issues seen in so many other places. Think about that next time you choose where to shop." 2011-11-30 10:16:46 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "Hi Driden. What do you mean with "external relations"? " 2011-11-30 10:10:23 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Riverlea Environment Society Inc said "A city which has obviously restored, revived and recovered its native forest remnants and waterways. This has the flow-on effect of increasing the native animal life, beautifying the city, improving its air quality, enhancing its uniqueness and making it a more desirable place to live." 2011-11-30 10:09:00 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "I see we've been asked to comment on proposed cuts to the Council's budget. I'm finding the survey difficult to complete. It feels like we're scratching around to save cents when dollars are being blown elsewhere. Who wants to see library hours cut or less maintenance of streets, especially when I haven't heard of reductions in administration staff or top-level salaries? The velodrome may prove to be an asset to the city, but if we are so eager to save money, surely we have no business taking on new projects." 2011-11-30 10:07:57 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Riverlea Environment Society Inc said "The Riverlea Environment Society wholly supports the Council Parks and Gardens section. Its staff members are central to the ongoing "re-greening" of Hamilton which for many makes the city a more attractive place to live. In Riverlea, they actively manage the ongoing restoration and protection of Hammond Bush, which is one of our city’s most significant ecological areas and a gem for Hamiltonians and visitors to enjoy. Hammond is home to the native long-tailed bat, and Hamilton is the only city in New Zealand to house a population of these rare creatures – maybe we could capitalise on this unique advantage and become the bat city! There is still an enormous amount of work to be done in the bush and it is vital that the programme of improvements planned for this area continues. Community members contribute to the improvements during monthly working parties and such participation may founder in this and other city restoration initiatives without the dedicated support of the Council staff. Short term financial savings would result in long term biodiversity losses." 2011-11-30 10:05:56 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "Care to explain your idea further, Thomo1?" 2011-11-30 10:03:57 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Thomo1 said "And a refund on rubbish collection for those who pay for bins." 2011-11-30 00:01:55 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Thomo1 said "I wholeheartedly agree, the Council needs to STOP going ahead with things the ratepayers say NO to. Pull their heads in, is there any way we can reverse this stupid veledrome decision that 62% said NO to. The way council is going,a lot of people are looking to move to cheaper and fairer cities where the PEOPLE are listened to." 2011-11-29 23:59:48 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Tateo said "The CBD needs to be revamped for offices and shops to encourage people to it. Sports facilities such as the stadium need to be affordable to all. Family passes for 4 starting at $20 would go along way to drawing capacity crowds from the local region who would use other facilities in the city. Event centres such as the Claudelands event centre need to be better promoted as conference centres etc. " 2011-11-29 21:47:21 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 lesorchard said "The Council is elected by the people for the people not their self egotistical selves. Great work with the ideas but surely there has to be a point where these ideas are accountable and who gets to look through these ideas? The Council is full of loyal servants but where are they when the people issuing the orders don't have a bloody idea on what they are meant to be doing! The Council once elected become bulletproof and accountable to themselves and not those who put them in such a place." 2011-11-29 21:31:39 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years lesorchard said "People that is the biggest thing missing in this town!If we added 500,000 people to Hamilton it will fill a void of empty rentals and jobs that present people are too lazy to try for! With this amount of people it will not only add to the economic vibrancy of this place. " 2011-11-29 21:22:56 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Roses said "One very important thing that Hamilton needs to be aware of, that needs attention, is the condition of footpaths in the city. Imagine if you were blind as well as old, or in a wheelchair, trying to negotiate your way along Comries Road between Bankwood Road and Rossiter Place. I am old but not blind and I find it impossible to walk on the North Side of Comries Road because of how the curb is cut into the footpath. It is like walking on a Roller Coaster. Other footpaths have concrete slabs which stick up 2 to 3 inches plus there are Toby boxes which do not have lids. Very dangerous for little feet. Ten years will be too slow to fix these problems they need to be fixed now. Thank you." 2011-11-29 18:39:02 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Tal said "A 6 to 12 court full sizes Basketball, Netball, volleyball, touch court, Indoor bowls, wheel chair basketball, indoor soccer, Hockey, badminton, etc Stadium. A venue close to town that can caterer for Schools, clubs and Rep Nationals, bringing people from all around NZ and the World to our beautiful city, bringing in more money and businesses, filling our motels and making use of what Hamilton has to offer " 2011-11-27 17:23:10 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Veteran said "Why when there are areas like the lake,the gardens and numerous parks around the city whicch provide what is necessary to relax and enjoy?" 2011-11-26 13:10:52 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Veteran said "How about the much vaunted business sector makinbg some serious contribution to upgrading Garden Place. Clearly they want to attract business so let them subsidise the cost not the Hamilton City Council" 2011-11-26 12:53:32 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Ali said "We need to utilise the river like other cities Globally. We should have floating cafes and Shops linked with floating walkways. We should have public jetties all along River ( from ham east right through to Horotiu) With a frequent ferry service to take people In and out of city. " 2011-11-26 00:28:33 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Kiwigirl said "I would like to see the river made into a major attraction for tourists and Hamiltonians. We have this beautiful natural feature in the city and it is rearly used. I would also like to see the inner city get more excited about events in this city. We have just had the Rugby World cup here and driving down Victoria Street apart from a few flags hanging from street light poles you would not have known that there was anything on. The shop owners don't even acknowledge Christmas these days. It is no wonder everyone is going to The Base or Westfields as Central City Hamilton isn't very inviting to the general public. They don't seem to have any sense of occassion and don't make their shop fronts particularly inviting. One Christmas Tree does make Christmas. The City needs to get behind events like the rowing, rugby and Christmas to entice people back into the City. " 2011-11-08 17:05:29 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Centsible said "I think rubbish should stay on a flat rate like it is now because people dump rubbish if they have to pay for bags. CV on rubbish is a stupid idea. Water meters are expensive to install and need replacement after 15 years (Tauranga) so the ratepayer is always paying for the meter as well as the water. There must be better ways to save water and reuse water e.g. stormwater could be used to flush toilets and water sports grounds and public gardens." 2011-11-06 22:35:32 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Centsible said "I agree. The Munies are a great facility in town and if more people will be living in the CBD in the future, they'll be in walking distance" 2011-11-06 22:21:14 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Centsible said "I agree. It would be better to keep the community libraries open on the weekends esp. for families. The Central Library could close earlier, 7pm? because there aren't many people using it in the evenings. I don't think fiction should be charged but the pay magazines could be increased, some of these are very expensive to buy. The $2.50 charge to reserve books is too much - it's a fine line between charging enough and too much then people stop using the service and no revenue is collected." 2011-11-06 22:16:47 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Centsible said "How about paying for parking, esp. the tour buses? How many tour buses visit there a year? Residents could use their library card to enter. I think it would be worthwhile to captialise on these outstanding worldclass gardens ... how much have we paid in rates to develop these gardens over the years. Hamilton needs $s." 2011-11-06 22:04:19 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 laurat said "Pulling up our roses and fountains... are we not the "Fountain City"? How is it logical to take from EVERYONE i.e. cutting funding from parks that are spread all around the city, but FAVOUR others i.e. subsidising unsustainable urban sprawl and CONTRADICTING the purpose and direction of Future Proof which had a lot of public consultation. And don't even get me started on the proposal of charging people to get out library books... If you consulted the community in a more effective way then you would realise that the majority oppose this. Sort it out!! " 2011-11-04 00:27:41 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 sharry said "...Great. Now the Council wants to rip up the rose gardens to save a measly $60,000. How about you cut $60,000 off the Chief Executive's $360,000 annual pay check instead? The fact that those in charge over the years have run this place's finances into the ground should come back to bite them first. I'm sorry, but this is atrocious. " 2011-11-03 20:48:29 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years treza888011 said "Alot of valid comments, structuring our city to be safe, clean, green, and accessible to all regardless of economic climate. Affordable for larger families to spend time in the city and enjoy just being here. I would like to see Careless Days return for walkers and cyclists to have the time and roads to themselves it could possible encourage public transport more. I would like to see Business Communities coming outdoors free of their boardrooms and meet people in the parks with a community day of just fun not to make money or advertise wares. Or to advertise what they have contributed to, just to connect with the people. The huge amenities in Hamilton that people have never experienced without paying out of their noses, could be released to a free day for different areas of the city even if once a year. eg Museum day for Pukete residents, or Elderly Day, or Under 5yrs Day. Parents and people will of course be atteding but this will cause a ripple of appreciation throughout the community. And children are not the only ones who like to be read to, some older folks and families like to be read too as well, maybe a twilight evening in summer when families can join someone reading in at the Lake. Lots of ideas" 2011-11-01 15:17:48 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years vivace said "The Hamilton Lake has been around for thousands of years. It isn't just ducks causing pollution...what about all the stormwater drains discharging into the lake and herbicides that have been used to kill aquatic weeds...I would be more worried about contamination from these things....like high levels of arsenic and other metals....than the ducks." 2011-10-28 17:42:58 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Carolyn said "I am really disappointed to hear the Council are looking at reducing the Parks & Gardens staff. I am involved in the Riverlea Environment Society and staff such as Gerry Kelly are an invaluable asset to us as residents with their guidance in restoring Hammonds Bush. I have also been involved as a student in undertaking a garden project for a community organisation as part of my studies and found the staff at Hamilton Gardens to also be inspiring by providing guidance and sharing their knowledge for the greater good of our citizens. It would be an incredible shame if the parks and gardens around our City deteriorate as a result of staff reductions. When considering your decision, please also think about not just the money you will be saving in salaries but the vast amount of knowledge and experience you will be shedding if you let these people go. " 2011-10-22 07:58:35 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 lisal said "There is nothing quite like seeing all the Tui back here in Hamilton! It has taken a combination of both community and council support to keep all the group restoration projects going that have added immensely to restoring Hamiltons habitats. There are some members of HCC who provide invaluable guidance to our restoration projects through their experience, advice and knowledge. I hope the support from Council Parks and Gardens continues - we need it to empower our local community groups and their members. Without community groups, the council would be left to do all that work themselves, and it just couldn't be done. So thanks HCC, for your help thus far, and please continue your support for our endevours in improving Hamiltons biodiversity." 2011-10-21 10:07:08 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 vivace said "I think the traffic lights on the intersection of Ruakura road, Te Aroha St and Peachgrove road need upgrading. There is no light for people wanting to turn right from Peachgrove Road on to Ruakura road...also Peachgrove road on to Te Aroha st....there is a lot of traffic here and you can end up having to wait quite a long time before you can turn...lights go green but by the time oncoming traffic has gone the lights are red again! It is also an accident risk as people may take chances... " 2011-10-21 08:46:22 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 vivace said "I think the council should be supporting our libaries...these are more important than the veledrome...or stadiums etc Please don't cut the hours to the central library or start charging for book lending...what a depressing idea! Whenever I go into the library it looks well used..there always seem to be a lot of people there. I have happy memories of going to the library, as a child with my father, every week to get books. The library helps build a sense of community. It is a place for everybody and it should be protected. " 2011-10-21 08:35:56 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Three Cats said "I can't believe the City Council is considering closing libraries on Mondays and Tuesdays. These are the only days I can conveniently get to our local library. Existing services to the community should remain with no new borrowing charges. The Council is going to frighten people off from using the library if they have to pay to borrow books and then worry about what days the library is open or isn't. It will create untold confusion about what has to be paid for and who has to pay for it . It will deter our senior citizens from using the library if they are unsure whether they will be charged for books or not. Libraries are part of our communities and part of our heritage and were created as a borrowing service, free for all members of the community to enjoy. Please allow our faith in our libraries to remain constant." 2011-10-20 12:49:06 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Lynette said "Dear Hamilton City Councillors I read with great concern this week in the NZ Herald about the proposed budget cuts to the Hamilton City Libraries. There is no doubt that the country is going through an economic downturn and the pressure on budgets everywhere is great. However, there are some things that need to be protected precisely because we are facing great challenges. Libraries are very important to the community in times like these. They offer a safe haven where individuals can escape their grim realities through immersing themselves in a book or joining in a group activity. Imposing barriers on access will negatively impact its role in the community. Libraries are part of the building blocks in our education system. It reaches all sectors of the population particularly vulnerable or at-risks groups who have limited means. Any charge, even a few cents, sends a message, a user-pays message which is not particularly welcoming or equitable. This user-pays mentality seems to be on the rise and is incongruent with an organisation that serves the community. The role of libraries in education cannot be measured in terms of numbers. Numbers such as how many people access the libraries or how many books are borrowed only tell part of the story. There are many intangible benefits which happen to be of lasting value beyond numbers in an annual report. Libraries are more than buildings with shelves full of books. For children they are magical, the storytelling and activities tailored to them make it so. When we read a book to a child we are imprinting in them a respect, if not love, for the written word. We are embedding in them a life skill; literacy opens the world to them. Not all children have books at home or caregivers who read to them. In the library they have the opportunity to access books which kick in their instinct to explore, to touch, to see, to experience. Storytelling sessions are very effective to create engagement; playgroups are a blessing for at-home caregivers and for children to learn social skills early on. New immigrants and refugees for whom English is not their first language are usually not confident reading to their children in English and can’t find reading material for children in their own language. Try finding a children’s book in Somali and you will get my point. These children and adults must have unrestricted access to literacy services to help them adapt to their new environment. And Hamilton is a settlement for a large number of refugees. My husband and I are immigrants therefore familiar with the experience of settling in a new country. A number of our friends are immigrants and refugees. We often meet new arrivals and always recommend accessing the library. My husband spent all his spare time at the library when he first arrive and didn’t know anyone. His English language skills were limited and he didn’t have much money. At the library he had access to DVDs, books, music and people who helped him with his vocabulary and grammar. Today he is a NZ registered dentist working in a thriving dental clinic and training other dentists in specialists’ procedures. The contribution the library made to him can’t be measured by the numbers in the library database. When the budget is tight it is tempting to make decisions based on numbers, please don’t follow that trend. Libraries reinforce the community spirit. Families and immigrants are the user groups I am familiar with but there are also the elderly and the unemployed. They also have limited resources and would be put off by a fee or limited opening hours. Libraries create an intergenerational multi-background gathering space. There are not many places that achieve this. How incredibly fortunate we are to have libraries. They must keep them accessible to all and their role in the community must be prioritised. Recommendations: Visit the local libraries before you make any decisions. Not online, but take the time to physically enter the space and see for yourselves what it is. Rally against government cuts – Question the funding models from central government, do not passively take on their rationale. Represent your community. Make it even better – A strong organisation is not at risk. Libraries are easy targets for budget cuts. We should be putting more resources into them not limiting access. Resourcing should not be just about scrapping enough funds for them to keep operating, aim high to create the best community libraries in the country. Use volunteers – The volunteer movement is alive and well. Corporates are getting into the volunteering in a big way, they want to be seen doing something for the community and it is usually limited to planting trees. Well, why not asking their staff to facilitate workshops through the library on how to get a job (interviewing skills, how to write a CV, marketable skills, etc.). Also, every one of them should know how to read and those who have kids are probably very familiar with children’s literature. Get them to roster on storytelling sessions or active movement activities. Make it easy for them, do a list of defined activities they can sign up to. Things they can do in pairs or groups of three so it is not an individual activity, because corporates use these opportunities as team building exercises. Use your local network - Take this as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the University of Waikato, they have a Marketing Department. Approach them to take the Libraries on as a project, a marketing plan to get more people in, more funding, and to come up with a sustainable business model. It’s a win-win and the students and staff will be satisfied that they are contributing to something practical not just a theoretical exercise. Fundraising – Have an annual FUNraising. Make it a family event, a must in the social calendar. Access other pools of funding – Approach charities and charitable people. If thousands can be spent in saving that Happy Feet penguin, surely there is hope for the libraries. Finally, be the government or individuals contributing time or money to build successful community libraries make their investment count. " 2011-10-20 11:49:04 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CityDweller said "I want to see all NZ cities including Hamilton continue to have free book borrowing from libraries. It is really important for all families in NZ to have unhindered access to books, otherwise literacy rates will begin to decline. There are plenty of people currently borrowing books from their library who will simply stop borrowing or cut their reading in half if charged even a minimal fee to borrow. Charging to borrow books is simply not an option, we need to be supporting the education of all New Zealanders, and especially our future leaders. Let's remove the hindrances to education and literacy not add more." 2011-10-20 09:09:16 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years woody said "Libraries add to the soul of a city - keep them free to all. Hamilton needs to prove it is a city with a heart for its residents and the future generations. Downgrading such an excellent establishment, charging for borrowing fiction, reducing hours drastically is taking us back to the Dark Ages. Libraries are such an important part of a city's responsibility - let's keep them that way. No charges for the Gardens - it is another city treasure for all to enjoy." 2011-10-19 17:26:52 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 N Mills said "I would like to voice my support of local libraries in Hamilton from the perspective of young families. Our suburbs don't tend to have much of a central hub, but for those of us fortunate to have a local library (in our case, St Andrews), it does help to create a sense of place and community in the areas we live. Libraries teach our children many values such as respecting books and sharing with others. The weekly song and story sessions for young children are a great way to meet other young families in our area. A visit to the library often coinsides with running errands at the neighbouring shops, supporting small businesses in our community also. I would be sad to see services reduced or removed from our local branch libraries. " 2011-10-19 10:31:51 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what N Mills said "How will council determine who is a resident and who is not at the entrance gate? Are locals really going to remember to carry a copy of their rates invoice with them when visiting local attractions? I think this is a silly suggestion." 2011-10-19 10:21:20 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Driden Kunaka said "The need to review rates for services is reality, but consideration needs to be given to the the way increasing or lowering rates on services will affect the growth of the city. Current proposals to close libraries at weekend disadvantage people who work Monoday to Friday whose only chance to visit libraries is on weekends. It would be probably be better to open the services late, say by an hour every day during the week to ensure that those hours are used for the weekend openings. I work Monday to Friday, and the only chance I have to take my kids to the library is over the weekend, so my children will never benefit from the service at all if it as to completely close over weekends. After all, most students are in school in the early part of the day, so they may not be inconvinienced much by a late opening. Charging $2 to borrow a finction book does not sound fair. Aren't the rates that we pay to council meant to cover for services such as library services? Fines for overdue material could be encreased - that would teach users to be more responsible. I have paid fines a few times when my kids have replaced books only to find them later, that is the price that we must pay for not conforming to rules and regulations. Closing the libraries on Mondays and Tuesdays doesn't sound good. There will always be people whose work routines alow them to visit the library only on specific days. " 2011-10-19 08:33:38 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years suerav said "Now they want to start making more cuts by meddling with the libraries. Why don't they look at some way of making some of the white elephants in the city pay their way. Top of the list should be the Stadium." 2011-10-18 22:14:22 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years vivace said "I disagree that there should be any charge for libraries...rates should cover libraires, rubbish collection etc...if rates can't cover these things we shouldn't be putting money into veledromes..and other large expensive projects." 2011-10-18 20:11:14 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years vivace said "I like the idea of more seats but not cafes too close to the river bank...it would mean a lot of trees might get cut down and greenery removed and we would probably get a lot more litter.." 2011-10-18 19:52:04 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years vivace said "can I nominate you for council? " 2011-10-18 19:45:13 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years vivace said "Libraries should stay. They are an essential and important part of the community....I would much rather support the libraries than the veledrome....lets put this money into the libraries, museum, Hamilton Gardens, public swimming pools.....instead....and especially our libraries...I am shocked at the suggestion that libraries be closed...or charge for book lending.." 2011-10-18 19:39:49 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years vivace said "a happy city with libraries, parks with safe playgrounds, good cycle lanes, free Hamilton Gardens, museums, zoo etc and no huge rate increases or money going into huge projects that we can't finance properly...decent housing for everybody, places for families to go like the Hamilton Gardens, lake, lower speed rates near residential areas on Cobham drive, good public transport, less city traffic with more incentive to use bicycles, walk, more trees in Garden place....make it a nice place for people to sit and eat lunch, read etc..plant some flowers....a caring council that doesn't put business before people's basic needs...no water meters etc sensible rating system and good budgeting so that services don't need to be cut." 2011-10-18 19:28:47 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years mcivorj said "Libraries are essential to the well being of our communities. Libraries give us the opportunity to gain skills in all forms of literacy that all of us need to manage in our daily lives. We have 5 community libraries spread evenly accross the city - all of which are well used and extremely popular. Libraries are a haven for those community members that love books, reading, spending time in a comfortable and friendly location. Many elderly, including my father, would be lost without access to the wide range of large print and audio books that help fill in the day when there few other activities they can do. Yes I have a bias in that I am a librarian and in the past have worked in Hamilton City Libraries. I am a firm supporter of the value that libraries bring to their communities and believe that by limiting access to libraries and their resources we are in danger of losing an asset that many people use on a weekly if not daily basis. " 2011-10-18 17:00:54 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 sharry said "Do not introduce a lending fee on adult book borrowing. This is one of the most basic forms of (free) entertainment/escapism people have in a community, and it is utilised by such a large number of people. If you introduce a fee (and $2 especially!), I assure you that public usage of libraries will take a big hit. " 2011-10-18 10:51:08 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years sharry said "I'd like to see a city that can still provide the very basics of social/interest services such as free adult book lending and libraries open on Mondays and Tuesdays. I can't even believe that a $2 lending fee is being proposed, will seniors (not that I am one) at least be exempt? On a different note, an emphasis on the river as the focal point of the city, and a serious clean up of the lake would play an important role in creating a fun, beautiful and unique city atmosphere. " 2011-10-18 10:37:00 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Kathryn P said "A strong, vibrant community focussed Library. I want to see Hamilton with central and branch libraries that are working with our citizens young and old on lifelong learning, the sharing of knowledge, building a sense of community, exploring growth and development. Our libraries are our window into the future, the present and the past." 2011-10-12 22:43:08 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years kiwi_redhead said "I would like to see a free (or mostly free) library service for all residents. Libraries are vital for the community. In Christchurch after the earthquake, libraries were used as a place for the community to gather even though the library was closed! Such a great example of how important libraries are in their communities. Also children and recent immigrants should have access to help improve literacy. Children's activities should be continued to be run. Libraries need to be staffed by experienced and qualified librarians, good information services are best offered by qualified staff." 2011-10-12 17:50:25 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years FutureTron said "Like thinking and Hamilton needs such ideas. Green roofs in Food from the Sky could fit with Hamilton. " 2011-10-11 17:16:06 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years westside said "We need to keep our public library services free. They are one of our great assets, but people are inclined to take them for granted until they are reduced or compromised. Don't wait until it's too late, Hamilton people. Add your support or you may find the library budgets cut and staffing reduced. All departments of HCC are being reviewed for cost savings, and this includes the library. " 2011-10-11 16:27:56 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 chappelle said "I feel that some of the street works in the city are unnecessary and a low priority for spending, eg Casey Ave. Nobody uses the park so why put a crossing in? Speed bumps on Albert, Marshall and Claude Streets, for example. They are too high and not good for the suspension of cars and trailers, they put more traffic onto the already congested main roads and do little to slow down the inconsiderate fast drivers. Also a number of the choke islands are an unnecessary obstacle to turning traffic, e.g. Peachgrove Road. Vehicles must slow right down to turn into side streets, take longer to exit, causing frustration and dangerous merging. Main road traffic does not slow down but overtake on the median strip which is illegal. " 2011-10-10 21:44:10 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Adele said "The one thing I would really like Hamilton achieve over the next ten years is the reduction of city debt!! Forget about the grandiose schemes of the past few years, and those waiting in the wings for the future - get back to core city council business: that of keeping the streets and public amenities (such as toilets) clean and safe, keeping residential rates down(this one is imperative, after reading the suggestions the council recently sent out with rates demands!!) and just the basic duties of council. The council should not be involved in building edifices that continue to cost us (the ratepayers) thousands, if not millions, in upkeep. You ask us the ratepayers to let you know what we think, and then totally ignore what we have to say. Please start listening! " 2011-10-10 21:37:13 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Anna1 said "Thank you City Voice. Good to know the idea is noted. " 2011-10-10 20:32:13 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Anna1 said "Good to know I am not alone. And Robbie, I think your idea of a fixed charge up to a set reasonable usage level, then a stepped up charge per volume is a really good balance between the two methods. " 2011-10-10 20:12:15 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Parker said "I see that there will be a cut back in facilities such as tree planting in streets etc. I hope this will not be too drastic as I feel that Hamilton has improved immensely in this respect over the last 20 or so years - the gardens and trees in streets are excellent and much appreciated. This year I requested that trees be planted in my street as there were none and I received a courteous reply saying it would be done at the right time. Several months later Council employees arrived and planted several trees. I was very impressed as this shows that you do liasten to your rate payers." 2011-10-10 18:07:40 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Parker said " At the moment there is an excellent Centre for Celebrating Age and this is much appreciated by the many who make use of it. I have not found a better facility in other cities I have lived in (including Tauranga which has a very large older population). I hope this Centre will continue and if possible be expanded in years to come." 2011-10-10 18:03:17 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Parker said "I agree the river side is under-utilized and could be improved. it should be place for families to visit at weekends with, as suggested, more seating and attractive cafes. Also short boat rides would be an attraction is feasible." 2011-10-10 17:59:11 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Parker said "Yes I agree their should be a user pays system but on a meter system for water. I would not expect to subsidise a family who use a good dea of water. I live alone and am on a limited income. Also it is fair to pay for rubbish removal as is the case in many other councils" 2011-10-10 17:55:38 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Zaver said "According to me cheap public transport system should be developped so that more people use the public transport & less of private cars on the road. This will help in creating more job opportunities for the people & less of air polution." 2011-10-10 14:21:58 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Katherine said "I totally agee. When Hamilton Amateur Swim Club was running the Municipal Pool it was jam-packed 5:30 a.m. to late at night. Now that HCC is running it the hours are very limited and when you get there you are likely to find it unexpectedly shut. The city's many fine triathletes and swimmers, some of them national reps, have to swim somewhere. Kids have to have somewhere to learn to swim. Schools in the south have to have a pool with a grandstand for their swimming sports, in walking distance. Te Rapa is too far away. The Munis are a historic and historical benefit for the city. Since HCC took them over and severely limited their hours the other pools have sometimes been overcrowded in the mornings. Please get the Munis up and running again, preferably with a club, who are more likely to cater for junior and adult squads than HCC have ever shown any interest in doing. I have got no discernible benefit from the stadium or the v8s and now you are suggesting my family, friends and I must miss out on our healthy sport because HCC has squandered my rates on these badly-conceived projects. Keep the Munis going. That's what city council are there for - to provide facilities." 2011-10-09 12:19:54 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Kim said "I am concerned about the proposal to close the municipal pool and increase the costs (again) for swimming pools in town. It's entertaining to think that most other cities are looking at how best to increase swimming opportunities for the public including portable pools in Auckland for schools and this city is looking at making it harder for communities to access opportunities to swim and most importantly learn to swim. " 2011-10-07 13:34:59 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Kim said "I dont think any charges should be put in place for the gardens. Increase the number of Koha boxes. " 2011-10-07 13:31:24 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years suerav said "Those places are already there. They are called community houses. There just needs to be more of them than the five or six that are already established. " 2011-10-06 22:37:02 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what CommunityBuff said "Thank you for your reply. I won't be able to make the meeting. Please do publicise this meeting widely - I have heard much heated debate about water - and rubbish - rates and am sure many people will make the time to attend the meeting." 2011-10-06 21:49:37 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Rex Bushell said "I would see the impetus for the Corner Dairy model coming from both the developers and town planning in council. Town planning can zone this sort of thing into subdivisions. This is how suburban shopping centers are created. There is a theme developing on this forum of a lack of community meeting places / social opportunity through (poor) urban design. Refer to Suerav 4 Oct 2011, below. I am sure that it would have to be council that set the rules when developers applied for resource consent. Once a shopping centre is in place I cannot see how the rules could be changed. In your case I feel the only thing a trust could do was “lobby” the investor with your ideas however they would have no legal requirement to comply or even listen to you for that matter. " 2011-10-06 21:45:39 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Rex Bushell said "I really like your concept of community meeting places. I refer you to my entry above “Further to Dr Richard Simmons presentation”. Perhaps my concept could be extended to have meeting places or even an office available where consultations could take place. The bottom line is that large new urban suburbs are lonely places to live in, in their present design and they shouldn't be." 2011-10-06 21:03:17 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what City Voice said "Sorry to take a while to get back to you CommunityBuff. I am now in a position to tell you that Council will in fact be considering an option to move to a user pays system based on universal water metering. Council staff have been doing research to better understand what is involved, how much it could cost to set up and what other cities are doing. This research will be presented to Council at a meeting on 11th October. This is a public meeting so you are welcome to attend and hear the discussion. If you can’t make the meeting we’d be happy to send you out an agenda with the staff report" 2011-10-06 16:06:54 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Robbie said "I lived in Oz for many years, and the solution is: Metre water useage with fixed charge up to a set low level of consumption (say 1 person, reasonable use with garden but not lawn watering) The charge per volumne useage for moderate usage over that Finally, big water users - pay an even higher top marginal charge" 2011-10-06 08:04:39 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Robbie said "Who owns the roads? Maintenance is paid for by rate payers and yet are free to use. We have to pay for buses and pools, all of which are also rate payer funded so why are roads free to use? Worse still, people in cars don't even Know they are not paying for them with their fuel taxes, and think that other road users have a lesser right to be there. Why not charge people to use the roads - as they are starting to do in Europe? " 2011-10-06 07:53:52 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years charlie said "keep it simple" 2011-10-05 09:20:26 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what susanstevenson said "I think locals should not have to pay for access to city assets they have already paid for. I think the Council needs to improve the management of some of its facilities. The Museum for example needs to become revenue generating and more visitor friendly and valuable. The Council owns alot of expensive assets which are not run in a business like manner, this has to change. More external involvement of people with business expertise is required asap, in council and council departments " 2011-10-04 23:08:20 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years vivace said "Good transport, safe pedestrian crossings, lower speed rates near residences. eg..Cobham drive...normandy ave...the speed rate near those residences shouldn't be 60kmp, with a pedestrian crossing which school children use right on that road. More benches in street for people to rest on, especially elderly people or people with young children, more safe public toilets. Parks with safe clean playgrounds, a vibrant CBD, with interesting shops, community centres supported, more activities for teenagers, activities on the river, nice buildings...no big ugly blocks of high rise flats..lots of trees and greenery all round Hamilton, lots of cultural events, support music, support for the arts..dancing, orchestras, etc" 2011-10-04 18:56:37 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years vivace said "how to you propose to get rid of the ducks? What about the swans, the pukekos, the coots, and the geese! These are an attraction too. I used to swim in the lake as a child, but stopped after swallowing some water and being quite sick...but I would prefer to see the wildlife than swim anyway. " 2011-10-04 18:41:56 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 vivace said "That's what I think too. They consult but take no notice. The velodrome for instance. And the business people affected by the V8s, they never received any compensation for the inconvenience caused by the closing of streets." 2011-10-04 18:31:24 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 vivace said "Clearing litter a good idea...but don't think that elderly people would want to be taken shopping or have their garden done by people who have something wrong. But having said that I wish the people who were responsible for wrecking the letter boxes in my mother's street could be caught and made to pay for new letter boxes and made to put them up. Spent ages today trying to get this letter box on and still haven't got the screws screwed down properly...will have to find someone with better tools and with more strength...a real nuisance. " 2011-10-04 18:28:21 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what vivace said "I would really not like to see Hamilton Gardens become a user pays area. It is well used by families and wedding parties and runners etc. and one of the few nice places that is still free. Maybe a voluntary donation for the fenced gardens would be a good idea or some small charge ($2) with school children free. Other than that raise money by having events and festivals. I think not as many people would go there if they had to pay a charge that was high. In Auckland they have beautiful botanical gardens which are free and I think this is a nice thing. Other than that I think generally keep things affordable for everybody, like swimming pools, museum and not have higher charges for visitors. I hardly ever go to things in Rotorua even though I have relatives living there, because I can't afford them. " 2011-10-04 17:17:10 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Adele said "I could not believe it when I heard on the news that the V8s had been relinquished for a mere $1.25 million! After removing at least 80 beautiful trees, snarling up the roads to be used with unfathomable road markings, and installing a weird conglomoration of red piping, the Council, in its "wisdom" decided to "cut and run "! What a waste of all our hard-earned rates! The Council is a law unto itself, and behaves as though it has a god-given right to trample rough-shod over ratepayers, with no consideration, or consultation. Ooops no, cancel that last comment, they do "consult" but take no notice of what people want! Regards, Adele" 2011-10-04 16:25:51 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years suerav said "I would like to see much more emphasis on Community Development especially in the outer suburbs of Hamilton. It always annoys me that when there are cuts to be made it is always firstly in the area of community development the area where the least amount of money is spent anyway. I think that the ordinary person trying to keep their head above water, provide for their family the best they can deserves communities where they can access help if they need it from people who have that area and its people uppermost in their minds. Big subdivisions have and still are being developed with out meeting places for members of that area. Where do the new mums go for help, where does the person on a benefit go for advice, where does the older person go for some support and company and what about after school and holiday programmes. I have always had a vision of vibrant neighbourhoods with people looking out for one another. This makes for safer communities and happier inhabitants. So I say Community Development should be up there in the plan not being treated as a poor relation." 2011-10-04 15:26:35 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "A rooftop idea called 'Food from the Sky' from London: http://vimeo.com/26986023. How fun is that?" 2011-10-04 10:39:09 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "I think I mentioned the Christchurch September - February model elsewhere. My friend there tells me that CBD parking was set so that any coin would activate the meters for two hours. Parking was essentially free but time limits could be enforced." 2011-10-04 10:37:11 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "And Horror statues don't count!" 2011-10-04 10:34:39 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "Another question for you: From where do you think the impetus needs to come to change the Corner Dairy model? Have you had a chat with some dairy/cafe/business owners? What do they reckon? This doesn't seem like something that the Council can do. You're right that the report handles a different scale of commercial development than what we have in Hamilton. I still found the principles interesting. We have very public areas in our city that seem to have been thrown together without vision. In my area, we want our local shops to live up to being the hub of the community, but all of the ownership and decision-making happens Somewhere Else. I believe the majority owner is a property investor in Auckland. The community would take ownership of the area...if given the chance! Perhaps we need to form a sort of trust to start buying our rights to the round table." 2011-10-03 19:43:25 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "...and these measures are not so difficult to do if implemented from the design stage. Good idea!" 2011-10-03 19:35:10 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "Hi Citsay! You have some visionary suggestions. I have a question for you and the Citizen Say group - really, a challenge for all of us. Do people in your group use the facilities already available in Hamilton? For example, there are a couple of local operators running boat rides and kayaking on the river. I understand business can be pretty quiet for them. Have you been? I haven't, but I reckon I need to. Let's put our money behind the people already making a better Hamilton." 2011-10-03 19:34:21 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "Thanks, Rex. Yes, we would need adequate standards for apartments. I'm not sure what is currently required from developers. Does anyone here know?" 2011-10-03 19:31:07 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Rex Bushell said "10 year plan, city growth and supporting transport I submit; That a working party be established to secure the Cambridge rail line reserve for future development and work with town planners of the councils involved so that urban growth / expansion is zoned along this line. Explanation; There will be four employment zones which will be serviced from this future eastern urban expansion, the future Tainui employment zone north of Ruakura, Ruakura, the university and the CBD. It is desirable that urban design is such that people live close to their work place. This cuts down on traffic congestion, cuts down on the time people require commuting to work and enhances people’s life style. The placement of the urban expansion along the rail corridor will give future councils the opportunity to develop an urban rail system at a point in time when the population raises to an economic mass and / or the road congestion is to an unacceptable level. It is important that this debate is not about the urban rail system but is about giving councils of the future the opportunity to develop a rail system. This rail system would have the potential to feed all four employment zones with the CBD opening up the underground station. In the short term this eastern urban development would be well served by the eastern by-pass road network at present under construction and the express way planned to end at Cambridge. Opportunities this could offer: This concept could open up opportunities for innovative urban designers. There could be four urban hubs; one on the northern side of Cambridge, at Bruntwood, Matangi and east on the Hamilton boundary at Ruakura. As each expands, they would eventually all join up. Matangi and Bruntwood would lend itself to innovative design like self sustaining energy from a wind turbine and sola panels, shared pedestrian vehicle ways, energy efficient buildings etc. Effect on Cambridge: This strategy would have a positive effect on Cambridge. The expanding population at Matangi and Bruntwood would generate extra shopping mass in the town. When the rail connected to Cambridge there would be two way traffic so that both Cambridge and Hamilton would be fed by the rail service. " 2011-10-03 12:45:51 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Rex Bushell said "You have some good brain storming here. I would like to add to the apartment ideas. To get the standard of occupier that you envisage it would be import that HCC puts building codes in place to ensure they are built with really good sound proofing both in the walls, internally and externally, and the windows. It cannot be left up to the developers as they will inevitable take to cheap option" 2011-10-03 12:23:57 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Rex Bushell said "Putting “my corner dairy” into existing local shops would depend very much on what was already there. It would be important to look at a business model for each site that they were being considered for to ensure it was going to be viable for a business owner. These dairies would have their challenges for the operator in that they would have to have skills in hospitality as well as in running a dairy. They would require an understanding of how good espresso coffee was made and offer good quality food otherwise that side of their business would very quickly go flat. I had a scan through the pdf on “Commercial strip corridors”. My comment on the article would be that their problem is on a much larger scale than we have in Hamilton and, the usual American thing; it is heavily dominated by the car. That is wide roads and intersections. The nearest we would have to a commercial strip corridor would be Te Rapa and Greenwood Street. That said we do have commercial areas that you nominated that need a good upgrade. The thing that could be taken from the article is that their redevelopments involved the community, the commercial business people and the local body. Thanks for your feedback and interest. " 2011-10-03 12:10:43 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Caroline said "I would like to know why so much money can be spent on the V 8's, for example or endlessly and unnecessarily changing Garden Place and then cutting money for vital facilities such as the library, " 2011-10-03 09:42:35 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Mangakotukutuku Stream Care Group said "Hamilton has the chance to lead New Zealand in sustainable urban design by ensuring new growth areas are required to adopt environmentally friendly storm water treatment to preserve the values of streams, prevent erosion of adjacent gully land and reduce sediment runoff. Storm water pipes need to be kept out of streams and places set aside to treat storm water before it is discharged. Subdivision planning can incorporate places where rain can soak into the ground rather than being piped to streams and ruining the environment for stream life. By making these treatment approaches mandatory in new developments next to sensitive areas such as the Peacockes growth cell, Hamilton can ensure it's remaining special places are kept alive for future generations to experiences." 2011-10-01 21:18:44 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Mangakotukutuku Stream Care Group said "The Council Parks and Gardens section does a great job supporting community groups and landowners to transform our parks and private gullies into urban oases of native biodiversity. We support continued investment in making Hamilton a green city by revegetating gullies, parks and stream banks to attract birds and fish back into the city. These places provide residents with the only chance to interact with native biodiversity on a day to day basis and for many this creates an important sense of well being. Keep the gully planting scheme going and increase efforts to clean up the city's streams." 2011-10-01 21:04:18 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Driden Kunaka said "Cultural activities that reflect the diversity of the population of Hamilton, including attempts at establishing external relations that reflect the population." 2011-09-30 13:04:47 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Citsay said "-More National and International Music events -Better bus service to Gordonton and surrounding villages -More Art Exhibitions -Lower crime rate - no so called bad suburbs -Enforcing Laws such as no litttering and in areas where no skateboarding is allowed -less smoke free areas or more designated smoking areas and ash trays through public consultation -Spread out low cost housing- ensure new developments allow some number of low cost quality housing to be built -Better use of the waikato River, ie. a water taxi, tourist attractions (bridge bungy) -More rubbish bins - Hot Salt water spa facility -Aquarium -Revolving restaurant -More prominant Museum These are sugestions and views collected from a group called Citizen Say who gather as a workshop every MOnday at 1.30-3.30, 306 Tristram street." 2011-09-27 12:00:02 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what CommunityBuff said "Thank you, City Voice." 2011-09-26 14:17:03 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what City Voice said "I will make some enquiries about this topic " 2011-09-26 13:59:24 +1300 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Toop said "Rose garden was the first in city. How many walk through it? Big cost to maintain. Don't we need to check each reserve, park to see it is getting good usage? Agreed view from Pembroke Drive is tops. Several big gums to bring in the tuis? Or a winding path down to the playground? Or some Maori carvings? Or Kowhais underplanted with kakabeaks? All suggestions in such a way as to maintain the view? " 2011-09-24 20:02:45 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years kezz81 said "We only need parking because we all live so far away from the shops. If people's living and community activities were located close by they could easily walk there. this would make the city far more vibrant!" 2011-09-24 11:36:13 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years kezz81 said "The problem is a sprawling city. We dont need large houses and large backyards! Well conceived apartments that are spacious and private, with community gardens and community playing areas would be far more beneficial for the social well-being of the community. Having shopping, schools, and health care closeby in each neighbourhood would also make the city more liveable, and reduce the need to travel everywhere by car." 2011-09-24 11:34:45 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years kezz81 said "I would like to see the city focus on developing sustainability, providing better walking and cycling facilities, and focusing growth within the existing boundaries. Why keep building out into greenfields? This is a waste of our precious resources. Housing should be sustainable, affordable, and livable. Policies on sustainable standards is a must. Something that encourages developers to build sustainable apartments and create a livable city. Stop building more roads." 2011-09-24 11:28:52 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years sandy1 said "Our family has no connection to a church or community group. How ever I do agree that there does seem to be more events on than we realise in Hamilton. We had fish n chips at Callumbrae park on Friday night, great to have such a sunny day and be able to have a pic nic dinner...roll on summer! " 2011-09-24 06:45:56 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what CommunityBuff said "Hi City Voice, Can you tell us why the Council is not proposing a user-pays system? What is it about user-pays utilities that made the Council choose another option?" 2011-09-23 23:24:46 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "GARDEN PLACE: This page (http://hamilton.co.nz/page/pageid/2145838266/More_City_Heart_info) talks about the northern side of Garden Place being "the side that is failing economically" (the report is a few years old - all the best to Velo Espresso and the like). Do you know why I think that is? Garden Place runs east to west, and the northern side gets no sun. I never walk there. The kinds of shops and cafes open on either side make no difference to me - I will always instinctively choose to linger on the sunny side of a space, and hurry through the part in shadow. Consider how you use public spaces and see whether what I say holds truth. Now, what could be done to bring life to the northern edge of Garden Place? Feel free to add to my brainstorm: - Convert some of the empty office towers to residential units. Encourage young professionals and creatives to take up oh-so-popular loft/vintage-modern/industrial-chic accommodation. It's what made SoHo hip. - The radical: Bring down some of the top levels of empty buildings along the north side of the block. - Almost as radical: Redevelop the centre of that block between Garden Place and Ward Street. Make a courtyard and a pedestrian walkway that links the courtyard with Garden Place, coming out somewhere in the middle of the Garden Place frontage. Think Casabella Lane: Ward Lane! We wouldn't necessarily have to take out a building to make the walkway - if a building was strong enough to handle having the ground-floor facade removed, you could have a walkway going underneath the rest of the building. Put a cafe in there to activate that space too. The direct link with Garden Place (not just Worley Place) is crucial to the idea helping Garden Place. For more ideas on breaking up city blocks, see the Christchurch City Centre plan (which is fabulous for so many reasons. Hamilton can learn from that city's visionary work). Now that I think of it, I LOVE this idea. - Simple: Add a place to play to that side of the square. Make it temporary and mobile if attracting the 'wrong' crowd is a problem. For example, have scooters for kids to use within a temporary fence, or at least have the scooter lending/hireage point for all of Garden Place on that side (you'd need a supervisor either way). The scooters get packed away at night. - Also simple, but more subtle: Use light-coloured and somewhat reflective surfaces close to the northern side to bounce light back under the eaves. Encourage businesses to use their spaces in ways that maximise natural light. - Arty and special: Work with artists, advertisers and landlords to make a tourist attraction out of the tower on the corner of that block. Imagine climbing into that tower and looking out over the city. Kinda cool, but you'd see lots of rooftops, yeah? Now imagine looking out and seeing art painted on the visible rooftops and carparks. Think of how advertisements are painted on sports fields so that they appear readable to the camera. How do you use Garden Place? Does the sunlight theory apply to you? What would attract you to the northern side of Garden Place?" 2011-09-23 23:05:07 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "That's an interesting idea, Rex. Do you see this new type of Corner Dairy being built where we already have local shops? I found this report an interesting read, especially thinking about the likes of Avalon Drive, the Nawton mall and Glenview shopping centre: http://www.epa.gov/dced/pdf/2010_0318_wa_328_corridor_manual2.pdf. It's called 'Restructuring the Commercial Strip: A Practical Guide for Planning the Revitalization of Deteriorating Strip Corridors'. What do you think?" 2011-09-23 22:28:36 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "Hi Sandy, It occurs to me that many churches and community groups hold events like the ones you describe. Do poke around - I reckon there is much more going on in Hamilton than any of us realise!" 2011-09-23 22:22:13 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "I agree that we need user-pays water and rubbish charges. Such a system would be so much fairer than penalising/subsidising based on capital value." 2011-09-23 22:21:00 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "It looks like you spoke too soon about the Velodrome, Peter." 2011-09-23 22:19:06 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "I think the rose garden is lovely and an asset we don't appreciate near enough. What would we put in the rose garden instead? The views from that hill are superb on a sunny day. The lake is a success story. Every kind of person can find a reason to go there." 2011-09-23 22:17:35 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years CommunityBuff said "Regarding flooding in Hamilton: The river level is influenced by the Karapiro Dam and other dams upstream. I wouldn't consider flooding to be a reason not to build along the river as long as sensible elevations are chosen. For everything that it seems everyone is saying about free parking, I can't believe that Council has chosen to take away free parking on Saturdays. Please let's have another discussion about more free parking in the central city. I recall that the Parking Study found that CBD parks were being used by workers rather than shoppers. Let's look for a solution to worker parking, then, so that the rest of us can get to the city without being put off by parking. Christchurch City Council had a programme after the September earthquake in which someone would 'activate' their parking meter by putting in any coin. In this way, time limits could still be enforced by parking was effectively free." 2011-09-23 22:15:23 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Ruatui said "Unfortunately the litterbugs are only a few but they do make a real mess! Providing rubbish bins just does not work, we have bins in parks and people dump the rubbish right next to them, also when the bin is full they pull the rubbish out and throw it all over the place. Working in parks is definitley an insight into human nature! My suggestion is that you talk to the businesses that the litter comes from i.e. if it is McDonalds point this out to them, maybe they will encourgae more recyling collection at their place of business or have their staff or contractor collect or a give friendly verbal reminder when customers are purchasing their goods, to dispose of them sensibly (I think most do anyway -just the old 80/20 rule!) Maybe another suggestion would be have rubbish collection contractors visit the site rather than having HCC gardeners doing it, as they would be more useful to do gardening rather than collecting rubbish, and I'm sure that specific rubbish collection contractors are better set up and more efficent in this than they are to do this , i.e better use of HCC limited resources, get the park looking smart, perhaps more community input into this area, and then they would use it more, get the seats by raising money from local businesses (perhaps they can have some small plaque on the seat etc) " 2011-09-22 23:03:23 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Ruatui said "Yes see lots of rubbish being dumped at moment, possibly due to refuse station charges going up, sometimes I think it would be cheaper to provide community skip bins in areas of high dumping, as it costs way more to remove from the bottom or sides of steep gully areas etc, and believe me it is bad, we had a "Clean Up NZ" activity two weeks ago and pulled out about a ton of rubbish in a Housing Corp density area, most just thrown over fence into the park.One point there though is that the pile actually reduced over the weekend, someone went through and removed all the metal! I have noticed that car wrecks don't last that long now in parks, scrap metal collectors whip them away fairly qucikly and get well rewarded. I suppose the thing is if you put a $ value on something then people will react (especially in this hard economic times). I wonder if we could bring back glass bottle recycling as they once had, most of the smashed glass I think comes from people drinking leaving the bottles behind and then kids breaking them for a bit of fun, remember throwing stones at cans etc. Put a direct $ value and I'm sure things would change, also creates a culture of rewarding those that are self motivated and collect the refuse i.e. the kids with a bit of motivation. Yes parks especially the gullies are in dire need of weed control and restoration, so let's DO IT, how about getting sponsorship from local businesess to off set their carbon emissions etc. Employ the younger adults that can't get jobs, but want to work and learn, pay them well and support them, a good rate and train them up withi ncentives of more training and performance based then better $. Give them goals and attitude that they can do well, ample reward with a component going to "Kiwisaver" (money back into local companies,investment) higher than the normal rate so they save some cash for the future (education/houses -more moneyback into local economy ) etc. I'd be keen to help facilitate and get this happening! " 2011-09-22 22:50:10 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Ruatui said "Yes see lots of rubbish being dumped at moment, possibly due to refuse station charges going up, sometimes I think it would be cheaper to provide community skip bins in areas of high dumping, as it costs way more to remove from the bottom or sides of steep gully areas etc, and believe me it is bad, we had a "Clean Up NZ" activity two weeks ago and pulled out about a ton of rubbish in a Housing Corp density area, most just thrown over fence into the park.One point there though is that the pile actually reduced over the weekend, someone went through and removed all the metal! I have noticed that car wrecks don't last that long now in parks, scrap metal collectors whip them away fairly qucikly and get well rewarded. I suppose the thing is if you put a $ value on something then people will react (especially in this hard economic times). I wonder if we could bring back glass bottle recycling as they once had, most of the smashed glass I think comes from people drinking leaving the bottles behind and then kids breaking them for a bit of fun, remember throwing stones at cans etc. Put a direct $ value and I'm sure things would change, also creates a culture of rewarding those that are self motivated and collect the refuse i.e. the kids with a bit of motivation. Yes parks especially the gullies are in dire need of weed control and restoration, so let's DO IT, how about getting sponsorship from local businesess to off set their carbon emissions etc. Employ the younger adults that can't get jobs, but want to work and learn, pay them well and support them, a good rate and train them up withi ncentives of more training and performance based then better $. Give them goals and attitude that they can do well, ample reward with a component going to "Kiwisaver" (money back into local companies,investment) higher than the normal rate so they save some cash for the future (education/houses -more moneyback into local economy ) etc. I'd be keen to help facilitate and get this happening! " 2011-09-22 22:48:38 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what istabe said "I agree with you Anna1. The house in front of us is worth less but has heaps of people living there (I've actually lost count), as opposed to us who have only 3 people living here. I don't know how the HCC can claim that it's "fairer" - at least be honest and say it's "the best idea we can be bothered coming up with", cause it's definitely not "fairer"." 2011-09-22 13:30:53 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Rex Bushell said "Further to Dr Richard Simmons presentation: Sustainable Urban Design A member of the audience brought up in the discussion about why the Corner Dairies are not designed into the modern urban town planning. The basic reason is that times have changed and the old model of Corner Dairies is no longer viable as a business unit. This is because of the competition from late closing Service Stations and Super Markets. However that said it may be worth trialing a new concept Corner Dairy. Consider this for a moment: • They would be positioned on a corner site. • They would be positioned about 1km from a Super Market, Service Station or urban shopping Centre and 2km away from another corner Dairy. 1km is about the right distance that people would walk or bike. • It would NOT be located on a main road. • It would NOT have off street parking. • The focus would be on them being a community focal point something that is lacking in modern urban design these days. • To achieve this they would be designed to offer a limited cafe type service along with traditional Corner Dairy shop supplies. • A “limited liquor licence” could be created that would be a lot cheaper for the owner. This, I imagine, would restrict the sale of liquor to one red and two white house wines, a low alcohol beer, and three beer types (dark, draft and a lager). • The shop would be designed to have inside and outside tables. The number of which would be restricted to something like six small inside and four small outside. The outside area to be designed to be within the shop floor area. Not on the public path. • It would be important that every effect and support was put in to ensure the business was profitable for the owner and that the small business was not drained of a reasonable profit by compliance costs. Innovation does not have to cost millions. It is just a matter of thinking a bit outside the square and having the energy and courage to try something a bit different. " 2011-09-20 11:40:06 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 City Voice said "Hi I checked with the folk involved in this area and they say that this project is scheduled for the 2015/16 financial year under the current LTP budget lines. The timeframe is subject to the 10 year Annual Plan, and approval from KiwiRail for us to use their land. If you want to talk offline about this contact Steve Taylor and he can discuss with you further Steve.Taylor@hcc.govt.nz OK? " 2011-09-19 10:50:18 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years sandy1 said "The South end of Victoria street and Hood street is an awesome place for socializing... so many great bars, cafes and Restaurants. I agree with parking being an issue. It costs and parking is limited compared to The base/Te Awa. They have awesome shopping and parking is free. Do the maths??? We live in Hamilton North and I would rather dine there and at the Cock n Bull and Fuego because you can park right outside the venue. The parking lights are awesome green for an empty parking space and red light when it's taken...brilliant who ever thought of that idea. " 2011-09-18 10:20:30 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what sandy1 said "We have many opportunities in Hamilton to make use of our natural resources including the river, lake parks and gardens. Why not let business people have the opportunity to promote Hamilton as a place to see. Encourage user pay events including Winery tours, concerts, rodeo, arts, crafts, car racing, horse racing... The river could have a cafe over the river...hanging off a bridge or river boat cruises, jet ski higher, canoe higher... Hamilton lake, Hamilton gardens- hosting more events like food and wine festivals, summer concerts that you pay to go to... Family events, events for adults, events for teenagers, events for parents/whanau and early childhood educators to take young tamariki. " 2011-09-18 10:07:22 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 sandy1 said "Make use of the resources that we have...People! How many youth have fantastic innovated ideas and they have no way to put them into fruition. My son in at win tec and often talks about his ideas he has to plan an event. If the schools/community get involved it will cut down costs. Get teenagers involved, they have energy and the ideas...a little recognition goes along way...A competition reward with a prize....this gives them the opportunity to get involved, pool ideas complete a task. How many 18 year old are living at home and can't find their first job...Give them an opportunity to feel valued. Give them an opportunity to be empowered and make a difference. These young adults have awesome potential. Don't let them sink into depression give them an opportunity to work and make a difference, learn skills as volunteers. Make use of the people in our community that do wrong and have to work in our community...Parks could be cleaned of litter, Childcare centres could have sand pits dug over, Elderly people could have gardens done, taken shopping... What does community mean today?" 2011-09-18 09:53:07 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years sandy1 said "As a mother of teenage boys I would like to see Hamilton keep having events that interest them. Social events where teenagers can gather with friends and have clean safe fun. What happened to Water worlds friday night fun. when the children could hydro slide all night and use all the blow up resources? Callumbrae park is a great place for teenagers to hang out. Why not have a fun day at that park around thing that teenagers are interested in. Bands, food in summer. fish n chip nights or family bbq nights...radio station give aways/promotions. Frre stuff that teenagers are into. Out door movie night. For the parents I'd love to do to something like the mt's brews blues and bbq's. The winery tour was awesome event at mystery creek wines. We have so many gardens we can use for events Hamilton gardens, river, lake, parks...lets hold more social events. The cook holds awesome comedy nights...what about a big event at a park. I'm looking forward to the rodeo in November at Claudlands...more things like this...dinners and a movie/show. Something we can destress on...have fun, socialise with our freinds..." 2011-09-18 09:32:35 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Anna1 said "My biggest message to the Council is to STICK TO THE CORE FUNCTIONS OF COUNCIL FOR THE NEXT TEN YEARS. The city council in their stupidity has squandered enough on their pet projects, no matter what the citizens say. This has been clearly demonstrated within the last few days re the Velodrome. No wonder the publicity kept using the word WILL, and not WOULD....etc, etc. It was a foregone conclusion. The following years are going to be extremely hard on the ratepayers with the 'proposed' CV-based system. The so-called fairer system, is pure word-speak from the book 1984. It produces even more unfairness to more already struggling rateplayers. When will Council learn? PS. Totally COUNCIL-CONTROLLED, user-pays water and rubbish charges, based on costs plus a small future-development levy would take the people with you. CV-based charges mean I will not make any effort AT ALL over summer to save water, and rubbish, well wait and see......" 2011-09-17 09:34:54 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Toop said "Agreed. Our 4 grandchildren have loved the playground and the place feels like a village with a real mix of people enjoying the laughter and setting. Tree plantings for color, cherries for the tui. Pigeon shoot was good, now reduce the mallards. Get rid of the rose garden, never see anyone in it!!" 2011-09-16 21:21:01 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Toop said "All this is about the spread of the concrete cancer. If the city is a flower colorful city with places to stroll on a weekend and children to play in safety people will want to live here. Industry will find it easier to get staff and will come here, the answer is not just events. Having lived in NZ for 47 years I've seen greenery give way to concrete, quiet roads become noisy, unsafe fume zones. First NZ home was on Wakefield Quay, Nelson. In the summer evenings people were catching snapper off the quay. No snapper now and the logging trucks add noise, danger and fumes. For most days over the past 7 yrs I've enjoyed the drive along River Road in Hamilton but the increasing traffic and slow loss of greenery to infilling homes is spoiling it. Wainuiomata was the best place to live in. Wonder what its like now, 7 yrs later? What do we want Hamilton to look like as the road traffic and housing infill forever increases ?" 2011-09-16 21:05:48 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Toop said "Full agreement. People for Passive Parks have ideas to make Hamilton more attractive for retirees." 2011-09-16 20:45:35 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Toop said "Hamilton is great in places but not beautiful. Much of Wellington has greater vistas. Christchurch had more great spots. The newer suburbs are disasters waiting to happen. Some are far from parks. Great homes all looking different, except for their black roofs. No decent gardens for the children to play with barest of vegetation. Why not some terraced houses with more parks to share. Some allotments? Plenty of bikeways, petrol will get dearer and dearer. But bikeways not just white lines along the roads. Inhaling car exhausts while cycling is a slow suicide. " 2011-09-16 20:42:35 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Toop said "Not more spent on the velodrome lets focus on getting the suburban planning right. See of black roofs in Rototuna and no room for trees. Katapaki gully is a dreary colorless walkway. Gully crossing Thomas Road is a mosquito swamp and also lacks color. Resolution and Wairere Drives some days look attractive but 95% of the time they are colorless and boring. Obession with natives ( because they're cheap?) will make many parts of this city dull and dreary. Victoria St plantings???? How can anyone say Hamilton is a beautiful city, have they lived anywhere else in NZ?" 2011-09-16 20:31:29 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Peter Wood said "Clearly business as usual is not an option. We can't have more incompetent and negligent desisions like we have had in the recent past. The debt levels are awful and if the HCC was a business it would probably be insolvent and the Directors would be facing prosecution. I don't think the present system is working and would like to see referendums introduced (sent with rates demands to reduce costs) for all major spending decisions. In this way the running of the HCC would be more democratic, I believe better decisions would be made by those who have to foot the bill for them, and we would have to live (and learn) from our collective mistakes." 2011-09-16 17:23:00 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Peter Wood said "Hamilton is a great place to live but in recent years the Council seems to have lost the plot. Total Council spending must come down - the debt is unconscionable - and spending priorites seem wrong (the V8 mess in particular, but at least HCC didn't get sucked into funding the Velodrome). Make this a great place to raise a family and a great place to run a business from. If the Council wants to support the growth of employment in the City then make it a much friendlier place for businesses to operate from." 2011-09-16 17:15:17 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Noeline said "Another thought is to develop a pedestiran bridge that also houses 2-3 cafes. Imagine sitting in one overlooking river? It would certainly be a point of difference. There are probably a whole lot of engineering reasons why this will enver happen, but it would draw people like a magnet" 2011-09-16 15:01:01 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years JOHN2 said "JOHN2 The Central CBD area of Hamilton needs to be revitalized with a collabrative effort from building owners and the HCC. We call our CBD Garden Place but it is far from it. More a concrete block jungle. It needs to be an area attractive to families (not hoons) who discourage families at present. Let us have Gardens, giant pot plants nad colourful shrubs in pots and Cafes and bars that merge with the surounding shops. Most of all bring the traffic and prking back into Garden Place with drop down and pick up areas. This is the part of town which to all intents and purposes should be the gateway to the CBD for visitors and locals alike. " 2011-09-15 21:40:17 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years 3dmikey said "Used more yes. The problem is the "Base" has become the new city center in terms of retail. Currently you have a city center vs The Base vs Westfield situation. I only see the area surrounding the base getting bigger and more supported by retail chains. The city centre will continue to be the cafe and nightlife center but to compete on the retail front surely the base will become a massive problem in terms for those "selling" the center city. The vibe is the cafe's and clubs, not the center city mall.." 2011-09-15 19:16:42 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Stevo82 said "I would like to see the City center being used more. I disagree with people say they should down size the City center and concentrate on over sized malls. Most City centers have history, statues and a cool vibe about them. We should concentrate on an arty vibe. Malls have there use's, but they are not fun or inspireing place's to shop / hang out. " 2011-09-15 18:33:23 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Anna1 said "I walk regularly around the Hamilton Lake and am pleased to read that council is seeking help on the algae problem. The last time I was there the smell was very noticeable and not pleasant. I note the ongoing replanting on the hillside by the tower which makes for a pleasant variation to pathways. Can't help noticing how very tired the old skating rink is in the shadows......get the horticultural/landscaping students at Wintec to come up with some ideas as a project. It needn't cost a lot. They could also use the erosion and encroachment on the eastern shores at the north and south ends as an ideas exervise. Get them brainstorming on the whole lake environs altogether actually. They learn so much in their studies, it would be good to have their input matched with the Parks & Reserves staff. " 2011-09-15 17:25:39 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Rebecca1 said "I'm not sure that the river is the best idea for retail focus, it has been known to flood. However, I do agree that the city centre should be reduced in size or a lot more free parking made available - personally I'm not one to carry coins around anymore and I detest those ticket machines where you have to bring the ticket back to your car and place it in your front window." 2011-09-15 17:23:57 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what City Voice said "Thank you for your input. No system of rating is perfect, and there will always be cases in which the system seems unfair. One of the alternative options considered by Council was to have a uniform charge for water and rubbish – i.e. everyone pays the same amount for these services. Council recognised that under this option, someone in a one-bedroom flat would be paying the same amount as someone in a 10 bedroom house, and considered that it was fairer in general to link the charge to the capital value of the property. It’s a difficult decision and Councillors were mixed in their views on this with some supporting a uniform charge and others the CV option. A final decision is yet to be made on this, and if you are able to make a formal submission (details at http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/ratingreview, Council will take your views and your situation into consideration. " 2011-09-15 10:23:17 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 City Voice said "Hi I will have to look into this and get back to you with a response ok? " 2011-09-14 16:25:14 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Seed-time said "In a lot less than the ten year plan i would suggest free parking for say three hours with heavy penalties for a those who abuse.To accommadate this buy compulsary purchase of all existing muti story facilites. This will bring back to life the CBD. Money worth spending a great asset." 2011-09-13 19:56:46 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Anna1 said "I never thought I would say this, but I think the council needs to introduce a user-pays system regarding water and rubbish. Using a Capital Valuation system as a basis for these charges creates the following injustice in my case: I live alone. Because I have slightly more square footage in my house, some extra concrete and paving and I planted a garden, my house is deemed to be more valuable than my neighbour's. The materials are the same, but I have fewer bedrooms and only one bathroom. One person in my house, five in theirs. I put out far less rubbish and recycling. I use far, far less water, and indeed harvest water for my garden from a shed. Can you spot the injustice already? Based on CV, I will pay many, many times the amount per lite of water, to use FAR LESS! Come summer we will again be asked to conserve water. What do you think I will doing from now on? Do you think I should cancel my paid garden bin and just put it out in the rubbish? After all, I am paying FAR MORE per rubbish bag to be collected aren't I? Oh, and by the way, I have a part time job. They have two full-time salaries......naturally the sliding Rebate Scheme fades out just at my point of income. So, can the council explain to me how they can lie through their teeth by the statement that CV-based rates are FAIRER?" 2011-09-13 19:56:07 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Anna1 said "Dear Council I live in the South West. Please would you consider coming to an arrangement with the current owners of the Railways to tidy up the side of the railway line between Collins Road and Kahikatea Drive (or ideally on through to Frankton). It is a long way round via SH3. As for a huge outlay, it wouldn't have to be much more than a decent load of base rock and metal to be considered worth it to we walkers and cyclists. The West Side is poorly served in this area compared to our friends on the East Side. Just a thought." 2011-09-13 19:37:09 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Anna1 said "Yes, I agree - the city centre retail model is outdated. That is why I like the change of direction with the Orbiter Bus service. Better walkways for the Western side of town to match the east would be good. Would love Council to negiotiate with the Railways re using the adjacent land they own. It would be good to tidy these strips up and make walkways/cycle tracks. " 2011-09-13 19:15:12 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Maddog said "To have something more Material as a drawcard to City. We dont have any Long Term Permanant items of significance" 2011-09-13 08:22:00 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Mark A said "I Have to agree with the cleaning up the lake, if it has deteriorated like it has in the past 20 year whats it going to be like in another 10? People will be getting sick by going near it let alone want to live there. Going back a bit i noticed you had some floating islands which clean up the water, could we have a look at some more of these? Definately need more action and population along the riverfront. I like the idea of a Langham at the gardens!! I have thought about river transport from the suburbs but i think we might be struggling to get this utilised, perhaps start with transport from the cbd to the Langham at the Gardens and grow the network if this works." 2011-09-12 21:36:11 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years 3dmikey said "The city center should be reduced in size and the retail be spread throughout the greater city, rates should not be used to stimulate center city growth. The old city center model is not relevant to today's online and mobile society. Think outside the box Hamilton. The river could be a retail focus as well as The Base and city Malls. There are a lot of excellent ideas here. Too bad that council will not change their ways. The river is under-utilised. " 2011-09-12 17:19:47 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what Roses said "I can see that it would be a good idea to keep things cheaper for locals. After all, most of us are Rate payers so we have paid already. Cyclists have lots of free places they can ride so that is an important thing to keep. Maybe a "Working Bee" by the regular users would keep down the cost of upkeep of these paths and at the same time would create community spirit. Hamilton Gardens is an important place to keep free to all because it is somewhere we can take visitors or just have family picnics on the open spaces and maybe even a game of cricket or kick a ball around with the family. Swimming facilities should not be too expensive for the average family to use because we are all so aware of the terrible number of drownings among young NZers. " 2011-09-10 13:12:25 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Ali said "As someone who shifted here from a coastal city I see the huge need for our city to have a place For swimming. Not public pools but clean the lake out Get rid of the ducks. We already have a playground and Cafe there but it seems crazy to me that theres nowhere to swim. It would be a great place for families and friends to gather on a hot day. Also we need cafes on the riverfront, 5 star hotels, Why not a langham at the Hamilton gardens? Also use the river for transport to city, from suburbs. It would totally transform our city and give it a european feel. I still have no understanding of the lack of maori culture in the Waikato. Why not wakas down the river? Tourists would pay heaps for that ." 2011-09-10 11:13:00 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Rebecca1 said "I would like to see more events centered around children in Hamilton, in order to see families strengthened. Even if this comes from schools and preschools around Hamilton networking. If we invest in the children we invest in Hamilton's future." 2011-09-09 21:37:41 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Annie said "Finally, our healthcare. Hamiltonians must continue to feel confident in their health provider, Waikato Hospital. Look after our health providers, their facilities, and the service they provide. Give them the opportunities to be good at what they do, if not the best at what they do. " 2011-09-08 12:20:00 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Annie said "I would also like to see a well maintained and funded animal haven for our animal companions. To look after the animals in our communities is important. Might be a dream but I think it's important. " 2011-09-08 12:08:32 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Annie said "The one thing that I would most like for Hamilton in the next ten years is for it to be known as a safe city, a city that cares for the wellbeing of it citizens. I think that Hamilton should be a place where people feel safe to relax, to be themselves, to get involved. There is such a variety of interest groups in Hamilton that this may not be straightforward/ But I appreciate that Hamilton is a place where elderly can get around and do their business with a caring and polite word being directed to them. Also, I think that to ensure that there are places that families, children, and teenagers can enjoy at a low cost for leisure purposes. Like Hamilton Lake, Waikato Museum. Hamilton has been doing a good job on this. I would be disappointed if these places started charging entrance fees that made them inaccessible except to the privileged. I think that Hamilton'e education facilities are an important asset. I would like to see these up to scratch, and involved in their communties. " 2011-09-08 11:47:30 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years tcafell said "Keep it simple. Green is the color of the future and we need to work to keep it that way. A recent walk along the river bank was greeted with empty bottles, rubbish, broken glass and homeless. Picking up rubbish rather than putting up flags. Helping our citizens help themselves. Build on what we have - hard workers who play hard, a thriving variety of industries which includes the dairy industry as without it Hamilton would be half the place it is now. Tui in our city streets, bikes on our roads = smiles on our faces!" 2011-09-06 21:13:15 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Nini said "Stop focussing on attracting dubious sports dollar and improve facilities for the average family/individual ratepayer. This is a beautiful green city - lets build on that and leave events such as V8's for designated race tracks. Make this a truly family and individual's city with cycle/walking tracks, parks and playgrounds, environmental restoration etc. Totally agree with BikeChap." 2011-09-01 18:59:07 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 City Voice said "Sorry we did not respond sooner. This park is a small neighbourhood park and within its management plan a proposed development to include a sign, park bench and rubbish bin has been identified. The current situation is that ground litter is collected weekly and Council encourages all our park users to take their rubbish with them. I know it is not a very satisfactory situation at Heath Street at this time for you and your toddler's visits but Park amenities which need to be provided for in all the Council's Parks are provisioned in a planned way over several years - We have taken note of your suggestion. Thanks for commenting - we hope you will continue to participate in discussion and advise Council of other suggestions you may have" 2011-08-29 17:01:01 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years TVite said "Don't fix what's not broken. In the last ten years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of visitors to Hamilton and for many reasons, most of which has been the vision of the councils and industry that sees a central location is ideal for distribution of many and great products. Some folk have grumbled about the waste of money in getting these visitors to our city. Once the motorway and it's necessary infrastructure to Auckland in the North and Cambridge in the South, is completed, there is room enough for continued expansion of industry and exploration of the beautiful sites of the Waikato. A great pattern has been set in these last ten years so lets keep it going and it will not be long before our International Airport will be busy again and there will be need of bigger and better hotels and motels and a railway that can be profitable. The Claudelands Convention Centre and Mystery Creek had many objectors but are now icons of beauty and a huge assett to Hamilton and the greater Waikato. Let's keep the dream alive Hamilton." 2011-08-28 21:49:48 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Iza said "The river is seriously under-utilized and could be a major attraction for the city. There needs to be the opportunity to open cafes etc. along the river bank. Its a lovely walk along the river but there are very few seats where you can just sit and admire the view. I'm not suggesting that the city pays for these - why not get local businesses to sponsor the seats (plus bins) on both sides of the river. " 2011-08-25 07:57:50 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 carly said "I am writing to request that the park on Heath St, St Andrews, have a rubbish bin and some seating put in. Why is there no bin? Everytime i go there I am having to pickup stuff so my toddler doesnt touch it. I know thats not your fault but maybe it there were rubbish bin people would use it! Last time I had to take off my toddler an oven cleaner can, and Mc Donalds rubbish, its just gross. Also there is no seating for parents etc so that would be bery useful." 2011-08-19 17:13:33 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 DaveDog said "I think that we need to focus on core business over the next few years. Certainly any non essential capital projects need to be consulted very well indeed. Ongoing council debt isn't good for anyone in the city." 2011-08-19 11:16:26 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years Libby said "I agree Hamilton is a beautiful city! At one stage there were Ideas of a ferry on the river which could take people from the heart of the city up to the Hamilton Garden's. This could increase visitors to both the gardens and central city. I think the river could be better utilized, as "BikeChap" suggested with the adventure tourism. I also agree with the Maori signage to be used throughout the city." 2011-08-18 16:10:42 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Terry Scott said "I think its horrific that so many millions of dollars have been spent on changing Garden Place and it certainly doesn't look any better. A huge waste of money and we the ratepayers are paying the price. " 2011-08-18 15:38:43 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years westy said "Cycling along the river trail to the Perry Velodrome to watch top athletes in action. Back to the stadium to see the Chiefs win, across to Claudelands for a top band, into town for a nice drink in a vibrant city heart. More Maori presence in the city, including art, a range of to quality events coming to town, high achieving schools, well thought out environmental policies and leaders with vision and courage. And that's just for a start " 2011-08-18 09:29:58 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 HamiltonMe said "Strengthen legal requirements around liquor licensing and monitoring. " 2011-08-17 15:53:14 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 HamiltonMe said "Agree with the korero and in particular un-useful investment and decisions that become at a cost to the public, to rate payers. Accountability for the funds I pay towards my rates please!?!" 2011-08-17 15:32:55 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years HamiltonMe said "Increase accessibility for elderly and people who live with a disability or impairment, ideally a change in building requirements to be based on best practice and not bear minimum. Cleaner proactive city and less admissions. Youth friendly spaces are important, including in the CBD. " 2011-08-17 15:26:56 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years HamiltonMe said "Increased Maori cultural sights of significance, hapu & iwi involvement and cultural flavour throughout the city. Use of Maori names of place (e.g. Kirikiriroa) and other public naming signs (e.g. Wharepaku), through consultation with local hapu and iwi. Healthy waterways; streams, rivers, lakes etc. Safe, user-friendly parks and play grounds, especially in low socio-economic areas (equity) with good reasonible parking and lighting. Good urban layout and access to shopping needs, social needs etc. e.g. accessibility to swimming facilities, including price." 2011-08-17 12:52:42 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/citizens-panel1 Takiara said "City Councillors need to be accountable for the debts that they build up and then leave it for the public to cover costs accrued by incompetent people. Hamilton parks and reserves are disgusting due to the rubbish that builds up by I must say foreigners who do not have the feelings that we as tangata whenua have for the land, therefore, they drop off their daily household rubbish in park bushes. Young drinkers go into parks around town to drink and leave their rubbish in park bushes. I know these things because I was a mobile mower for the Hamilton City Council doing parks and reserves and I have seen first hand these issues happening. Hamilton needs to cater for the lower income families who cannot go to the main centre of town because they cannot afford it. There are a lot of issues in this city that do not get any attention and is left on the side to disapear. " 2011-08-16 13:29:23 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what vivace said "I hope Hamilton Gardens remains free to locals and visitors. It is good to have some things in Hamilton that are free which all can have access to and enjoy. " 2011-08-14 00:22:50 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/who-pays-for-what BikeChap said "Rotorua seems to have had mixed experiences with the "cheaper for locals" approach - they'd be a good place to check out for their experiences with this. Personally I like the idea of having some things cheaper for residents though... a spin-off benefit of living here ought to be the opportunity to visit and enjoy the local amenities. We've got plenty of scope for tourist-priced things in Hamilton (like the underutilised river and bridges) and it'd be nice to see things like Hamilton Gardens remain free or cheap for locals." 2011-08-12 16:12:35 +1200 http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/article/your-city-the-next-ten-years BikeChap said "Cleanest, greenest, friendliest city in NZ. Best place in NZ to study & to bring up your family, & to start & run a business. Affordable, fun, quick and easy to get around. Highest percentage of cyclists in NZ using all the great on and off-road cycle lanes and helping to keep down the traffic jams and the road costs. Great shopping and schooling options. A unique and interesting city centre which opens out into a highly visible and easily accessible beautiful river frontage. Hamilton people loving to lunch and dine and exercise and relax down beside the wonderful Waikato River. And heaps of adventure tourism stuff along the river too... Bridge swings, bridge bungy, flying foxes, River Zorb etc." 2011-08-12 16:09:17 +1200