Len Lye Rethink Needed
Waste is waste. Whether it is food waste, waste of money or wasted opportunities in the end it all amounts to the same thing. The other day I had a hair cut at Tim’s Barber Shop at Moturoa. Now as everybody knows it is at barber shops and hair dressing salons that many of the world’s problems are solved; at least in theory. As Tim lightly micro pruned my thinning top somehow we got onto the topic of how to breath new life into the Len Lye mausoleum to justify it’s $4.5mill annual running costs. Tim floated the idea of using Old Len as a foundation stone on which to build a Kinetic Art Centre, which attracts local, national and as its stature grows international kinetic artists to exhibit their creations . One of its prime functions would be a multi faceted annual competition for kinetic artists and the best of the entries would be on display at the Len Lye Centre, other venues around town and open space depending on suitability. It could well become the only centre in the world with such a clear kinetic art focus.
For a blue print of its potential one needs to look no further than the annual “Wearable Arts Show” in Wellington that has gone global and attracts thousands who inject millions into Wellington’s coffers. However, having all fresh new art works every year and some of them displayed throughout the year at the Len Lye would make this facility a much more financially successful destination than a one or two week extravaganza. The more I think about it the more possibilities come to the fore.
Sadly, I see little point in discussing this with the Len Lye people as they are the first colony that have settled on another planet. As unanointed pedestrians I doubt that either of us would even get an audience. Clearly if this idea has merit than the initiative needs to come from the District Council since it is the rate payers that stomp up the $4.5million annually for what even one of its most ardent supporters now calls “boring”. This gives the council plenty of persuasive clout to demand changes for a better return on our investment. Let me emphasise that I am only the conduit, Tim is the idea’s source. Please, pay him a visit to give him your support. If nothing else you will get a good hair cut.
The recent news that there will be one new kinetic art piece next year and one each in the following two years is quite frankly underwhelming. Call it a minimalistic tomb or simply wasted space this place needs a serious rethink to open up its true potential as a vibrant kinetic art centre.
Cheers
Herb
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.4% Yes
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8.1% No
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0.4% Other - I'll share below!
Rehomeing My Cat
I need to rehome my old cat as I am moving overseas, and just can’t put her down. Can anybody help me out please
HOUSING AND COUNCILS 10 YEAR PLAN
Housing and the Council’s Ten Year Plan…
Actually, housing gets barely a mention in the Council’s Ten Year Plan.
And that is a significant problem because we all, except it seems the Council, are aware of the effects of the ‘baby boomer’ generation is happening now!
We have a rapid increase in the number of older adults over the age of 65 and a dramatic increase in adults over the age of 85 years.
Age Sector NZ has stated that 61,121 retirement units will be needed within the next ten years.
Statistics NZ estimates by 2040 approximately 600,000 65+ will be renting, so many of them will be living alone.
More older adults will experience housing insecurity in the coming years unless the country dramatically increases its supply of affordable homes for people ages 65 and up, who make up roughly one-fifth of the nation.
The Council currently operate 145 housing units for the elderly in a self-funded model. This approach is not keeping up with the need to upgrade and expand the housing stock. We are proposing to create a working capital fund of approximately $4m at a cost of $200,000 per
annum to provide for:
• Improvement and expansion of the housing for elderly service noting that this is contrary to
the current self-funding position of the Housing for the Elderly Policy.
• Expanding Council’s role in the provision of housing beyond housing for the elderly.
Given the crisis facing housing for older people this demonstrates a clear lack of interest, let alone commitment to the growing plight of so many of our older citizens.
An increasing share of people with low and fixed incomes will struggle to afford appropriate housing in the coming decade and we just don't have the housing and supports that we need for this growing population.
Our Council seems to continually dodge this issue - but it is growing larger day by day.
What can you do?
Contact your Council and tell them your concerns re housing for older adults.
If you can – urgently contact the Council by emailing a submission detailing your concerns to submissions@npdc.govt.nz or going online to: npdc.govt.nz/10-year-plan
Affordable housing for vulnerable older adults in our community is a ‘must’ not a ‘nice to have’
Gordon Hudson, Communications… 021 133 7244, gordonandjanr@xtra.co.nz
Positive Ageing NP
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