WELLINGTONS BUS FIASCO
"A dozen contractors have walked away with over $1.6 million in the first eight months of Wellington's bus fiasco".
Does anyone accept the feeble explanations that have been expressed regarding this expenditure? ie. a council spokesman said the works were budgeted for and were focused on implementation and ongoing improvements. GWRC employs contractors, consultants etc depending on expertise... Barbara Donaldson said the expenditure was operational and refused to comment.
It's time these people in well paid jobs stood up and took responsibility and did something to justify their salaries - so what if it's operational? its all taxpayer/ratepayer money and we should be getting value for it, as well as knowing what it was spent on. Where are the ongoing improvements - or is it intended to destroy the bus service first then anything following will be an "improvement"?
Chris Laidlaw has previously said he would do little differently. Rhodes Scholar or not, perhaps he should read the post regarding "Commonsense" which was posted on Neighbourly last week.
Why do we need consultants when it seems "everyone else" knows the $1.6 million would have been better spent on recruitment and retention of staff on the front line who are expected to face the ire of unsatisfied patrons.
To Laidlaw, Donaldson and their colleagues I say - ride the buses and explain to patrons yourself why the service is such a shambles, get down to the grass roots and see what people have to put up with. If you can't do the job then go and look for another.

Poll: If you could rewind time, would you choose a different career?
It might not be too late for you, but some people look back and wish they had taken a different career path.
If you could go back in time, would you choose something different? Let us know what you would have chosen in the comments below.

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61.4% Yes
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38.6% No
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0% Other - I'll share below

Upper Hutt Anzac Dawn Parade
Join us for the 2025 Anzac Day Dawn Service on Friday, 25 April. Anzac Day is the official day of remembrance for the Australians and New Zealanders who fought and died in the First World War.
5.30 AM - Dawn Parade assembles at Queen Street
5:45 AM - March begins
6.00 AM - A Service of dedication at Upper Hutt Civic Centre
11.00 AM - Memorial Service at St John's Church
The Dawn Parade will assemble at Queen Street and march down Pine Avenue, along Main Street, down Wilson Street to line up outside of the Upper Hutt Civic Centre.


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*T&Cs apply, please see the Imagine Holidays website for full T&Cs.
