Kāpiti Districtwide Councillor Jackie Elliott says she is very disappointed that the Sustainable Home and Garden Show held in Paraparaumu each spring for the last ten years has had its funding axed by Kāpiti Council.
“The show was undoubtedly the district’s premier event. It had consistently attracted more and more visitors up until last year when due to wet weather and preshow controversy over a decision to include a M2PP public information tent, questions were asked about the council’s commitment to environmental sustainability.”
“The show was an important conduit between the community and the Council. Staff got to chat with the public in the council’s eight information tents alongside our experts, the Green Gardener, The Green Plumber and our Eco-design advisor.
“I can’t overestimate the value of this opportunity to build a more positive council-public relationship and this has been my aim from day one for the benefit of the whole district,” says Cr Elliott.
“We showcased Enviroschools, civil defence advice, plants, landscaping displays and everything to do with the outdoors and it was a show enjoyed by all from families to pensioners.
“It also drew visitors from outside the district while spreading the key messages of water conservation, environmental sustainability and waste reduction.
“As Kāpiti’s representative to the Regional Waste Forum for the past two years I question the decision of Environment and Community Development Committee today where staff cited that economic benefit over social benefit will be the driver going forward in future decisions to support major events,” says Cr Elliott.
Later in the same meeting, Councillors narrowly voted in favour of a $20,000 grant to the Airport Holdings Group and partners Southwards and the Aviation Club to hold a Wings and Classic Wheels show on the airport in January.
“While the rest of the world is focussing on the CP21 Climate Change Summit in Paris this week, it appears to me that Council has just taken the district on a great leap backwards,” says Cr Elliott.
