Vote Castlecliff
Question 3: Candidate Response
What Our Candidates are Telling Us.
Question 3: There is a view that Castlecliff has received quite a lot of funding over the past few years and should step back now and allow other suburbs to have their share. We would like to know what you think of this statement and whether or not you agree with it.
James Newell: Castlecliff is a tourist venue so we need to keep moving it forward.
Charlotte Melser: I think that Castlecliff has received some much-needed funding in the last 7 years after decades of neglect. The impact that the funded projects have had on Castlecliff and the wider region is very positive and we have many more people spending time here. The rejuvenation project is not yet complete, so further funding is required.
Jenny Duncan: Totally disagree. The Seafront Road reserve is identified as a premier reserve but receives a fraction of the funding that other premier reserves receive. Castlecliff also went through decades of complete neglect from Council priorities and minimal investment in comparison to other suburbs. Many people do not know how much community contribution was made to the redevelopment of Rangiora Street. Much of it was also loan funded further spreading the cost. As a dynamic coastal suburb, it could be expected that it be treated as a jewel rather than distaste. I am seeing the shift in thinking around this and very much look forward to seeing the ongoing improvements, in line with suburbs.
Rob Vinsen: The Rangiora St Re-Development has been the most significant upgrade of a suburban Whanganui environment over the last twenty years. There is no other suburb that is in need of the same level of investment currently, however, if a proposal came forward, then it needs to be considered on its merits – not what has been spent elsewhere.
Julian Bailey (Rural Community Board - Kaitoke subdivision): Well there’s no denying the statement has some truth, and of course,
other suburbs have enhancement plans. I believe the Mole and viewing car park development will, as it always has, attract people, combined with the beauty of Rangiora Street, the Beach/Park/Bowl, Citidel and those gorgeous succulents will ensure steady patronage. I think then Castleciff may have had its share of the Subural purse. However, once again it depends on the merits of what is being proposed and how it would benefit the community.
Rory Smith: I don’t really agree although I can see where the perception comes from. I think that all suburbs are receiving Council support. Because the Castlecliff suburb has a group in the form of Progress Castlecliff advocating for it the funding is more visible and publicised. Also, the funding is considerably more effective because of that community involvement
Alan Taylor - Horizons-Whanganui Constituency: Castlecliff, a few years back, was almost ignored and was seen as an undesirable suburb. The recent enthusiasm, supported by funding, to improve and enhance it has been outstanding. But, the question is a fair one. It is possible to continue the good work in Castlecdliff as well as our other suburbs. This has begun already (note the Durie Hill initiatives) but costs money. Like it, or not, we have to face the increasing cost of making our cities ‘liveable’. Council should, and will, I believe focus more on this type of work as an underlying premise of its future local government work.
Glenda Brown: It is not about how much you have received in the past which should dictate how much you receive in the future rather, what is your plan, timeline and outcomes you expect to see for the funding you are asking for. Who and how many does it impact, what are the community consultation results and what are the benefits for the community? This should determine whether a project is successful in receiving funding & support.
Scott Phillips: I understand why some might feel this way, but rather Castlecliff was underfunded previously, so the bare minimum is to fund to retain the good work already done. Also, Whanganui only has one urban beach and so it acts as an asset for the whole town when it is looked after.
Daniel (DC) Harding: It’s important to put “funding” into perspective. Castlecliff had a lack of investment for many decades. Therefore, any funding received has gone into cleaning up the suburb to ensure that as a standalone space, it is sustainable. Progress Castlecliff was developed from a single thought – other suburbs could find key players and do the same. It isn’t about “it’s our turn now” – it’s about, “communities partnerships” working together for the same goal – Whanganui Rejuvenation.
Ross Fallen: Castlelcliff was largely ignored for decades, the butt of jokes and even estate agents warned buyers to avoid unless they wanted to buy cheap houses and rent it out at nice sums? A small but growing group of locals made a difference, got funding, lobbied hard, raised our profile, and worked with council respectfully. I suggest if you love your suburb that a grassroots effort is the key. I served on Progress Castlelcliff twice and I can say, hand on heart, they are dedicated and have done and are doing the mahi. So should other suburbs.
David Cotton - Horizons, Whanganui Constituency: I support the funding Horizons has made for the North and South Moles, but all funding does need to be balanced with the needs of others in our community. The likes of Flood Protection for Putiki and implementing Massey University’s independent Flood Protection report for Anzac Parade.
Andrew Tripe: That is because Castlecliff has energised the suburb and delivered on their vision…with more work to be done. Should other suburbs have the same passion, energy and vision, then there is no reason to believe this won’t be supported by Council.
Kate Joblin: Castlecliff has a coastline that needs remediating so we can afford to step back the efforts with the Coastal Action plan. Other suburbs do need revitalising at the same time.
Helen Craig: To me it's not about how much any one suburb receives but what the priorities are for the District. In reality, I think Castlecliff will continue to get the lion's share of investment due to coastal protection measures and the port redevelopment. The sea, river outlet and beach is a massive recreational area that we have to invest in, and protect for future generations as well as protect the city against sea level rise and storm erosion.
Roy Brown: For me, it should always be about meeting a need rather than who has got what over the past few years. If you have a need, it is well researched and voiced and can be backed up with a solid argument and justification then in my opinion it should be resourced. I don’t like the them vs. us mentality, more than ever today we need unity rather than division.
Blair Jones: Great work has been done and has often been needed to cover the feeling of isolation and detriment of people and buildings but feel it can be shared perhaps more equally as possible but maintenance of standards is always a hope, for everyone, no one likes to live where they don’t feel worthy.
Rodd Trott: I think it is a question of where the funding comes from. If it is ratepayers, then there needs to be a balanced approach to the needs of other suburbs and communities. Given Castlecliff’s crucial position with global warming and ocean level rise, I think prioritising spending on Castlecliff is justifiable to the whole Whanganui Community.
Michael Law: Funding from council should be on a return on investment basis. Castle cliff investment has returned large returns that have not only paid for themselves in terms of rates but also have increased the appeal and engagement from the locals. I believe that the councils funds should be allocated to the largest return on investment, which would include Castle Cliff and Gonville. As long as these investments are objectively prioritised and shown to all Whanganui why one area has a focus over another, this benefits us all.
Charlie Anderson: I think Castlecliff has been neglected for decades. I do not agree with this statement and will continue to support my favourite hometown suburb, with any funding request received by council.
Philippa Baker-Hogan: Yes, I generally agree but have supported all this funding and congratulate Castlecliff Community on working together, being proactive and getting co-funding. I think Council does need to engage with some of our other suburbs more, Learn and use Castelcliff as a best practice example and support their projects. This doesn’t mean Castlecliff cannot come back to Council for future project support.
Dan Jackson: Castlecliff was under supported for many years and only recently has some effort been put in. Castlecliff residents have put forward a good case for improvements and that’s why it has happened. If other suburbs want the same they can form committees, fundraise and push for funding from council and other sources. What is good for Castlecliff is good for Whanganui.
Phillip (Bear) Rewiti: There are lots of things that need investment to would be for all of Whanganui. The surf life club is an example.
Allan Wrigglesworth - Horizons, Whanganui Constituency: I would suggest that those with that view visit New Plymouth and take note of the infrastructure along their beaches from the port to the Whaiwakio rivermouth. Castlecliff was regarded as an unsavoury suburb better left alone for decades – unlike beach suburbs in the rest of the country. Much of the money that was previously spent on Castlecliff for decades was grooming the beach in front of the surf club – a waste of money. Groups like Progress Castlecliff took the initiative, and other suburbs should do likewise – then they will get Council input.
Hamish McDouall: I am very proud of the support that Council has given to Castlecliff during my mayoralty. Obviously, we want all communities within the district to thrive, and I will always look enthusiastically to grassroots movements that are bottom up. It isn’t about trying to achieve equivalency between suburbs – rather the cohesiveness of the proposed project, how committed the locals are to it, and finally the cost. Quite frankly what is good for Castlecliff is good for the whole Whanganui community and raises the value amenity for the whole city. The same could be said for projects in Whanganui East, Gonville and Aramoho.
James Barron: It’s total nonsense. The Rangiora Street rejuvenation work is usually what's referred to – 350k of Council loan-funded investment (along with utilities & NZTA) in calming and undergrounding the street. It’s loan funded so looking at it through an investment lens it has been a staggeringly successful investment. I calculated a 400% or more RoI (return on investment) just at the additional rates paid due to new building, renovations and capital improvements on one side of one block leading to the café & Rangiora St (2-18 Karaka Street). Multiply more than 100 times in the same happening right across the suburb. Throw in the area becoming a destination (and most beautiful street in NZ finalist), somewhere people are proud to live (and the suburb attracting most new residents), and a destination and the only proper response is “Wow, thankyou Progress Castlecliff, have you got any more ways we can spend for returns that are even 10% of that?!!"