The Northland Regional Events Centre
Back in April the Northland Chamber of Commerce made a stand on the issue of a regional events centre based in Whangarei.
We stated that we would support any ‘well researched development project that added value to the economy, community and infrastructure of the region especially those projects that undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure that the community and environment are protected.’
In other words the Northland Chamber could not support a project that wasn’t sustainable and that needed ongoing financial support and propping up.
Since then, we made a submission to the Northland Regional Council in favour of the concept with the above proviso.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce has a mission of assisting members achieve maximum success, improve long term profit and encourage positive social development.
The proposed events centre adds to the Northland Chambers mission by providing extra infrastructure to assist the region in delivering economic development initiatives.
In 2005 Northland Chamber of Commerce members were surveyed as to their aspirations regarding the events centre. The Results include;
- 61% of our members believed that the Events centre would add economic value to their businesses.
- A staggering 76% understood the concept as being a regional events centre and not a rugby Stadium.
- 79% believed that the Events Centre would add value to future generations.
In a more recent survey carried out last week our members were surveyed on a list of ‘hot’ advocacy issues and support for the new regional events centre came out at the 4th most popular issues out of a list of 11 development initiatives
The reason for this is clear. The Chamber of Commerce is made up of a number of business owners and people involved in business who have a can-do attitude and who believe that Northlanders deserve the best – new stadiums, libraries, infrastructure etc.
These same businesses are the ones who are creating wealth by employing people to provide services, manufacture products and produce primary products.
The Regional and District councils have a mandate to support projects like this under section 10 of the Local Government act 2002 which states the purpose of local Government. Both these authorities have consulted widely about this issue.
To summarise the Regional Events Centre is supported by the Northland Chamber of Commerce because
Of its positive impact on the Northland Regional Economy
It is a good partnership of local & regional Government working together with Private interests for the benefit of Northlanders.
Failsafe measures have been built in which would ensure that ratepayers are not funding on an ongoing basis the operations of the centre therefore it is financially sustainable
It can only add value to what is already a great region to live, work and play.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is Northland’s Premier Business Advocacy, Networking, Education and Marketing Group. The chamber is part of a nationwide group of 30 Chambers of Commerce and 27000 globally. Membership enquiries can be made by phoning 09-438 4771 or emailing info@northchamber.co.nz for a free membership pack.
A copy of this article can be read at www.northchamber.blogspot.com – you can also vote or leave a comment there.
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2 comments:
In view of the problems now facing the board of trustees responsible for the running of the Albany with respect to the $15.1 M ASB loan and the fact that the North Shore Council are garantors for the trust (as reported in the Herald 16/8/06) what failsafe measures have been built in which will ensure that the Northland ratepayers will not be funding on an ongoing basis operating shortfalls and capital cost overuns?
I also read that article in the Herald detailing the financial difficulties faced by the trustees managing the Albany Stadium and with the lack of information as to how the WDC have built in Failsafe measures to ensure that ratepayers will not be funding ongoing operational costs, including maintenance, and since the Nth Chamber seem to have inside information it could allay ratepayers concerns if they made those failsafe measures known to the public.
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