Today I read an article by Georgina Campbell that really confused me.

The Wellington City Council is forecasting its deficit to increase to $92.6 million.

Why?

They're blaming dwindling revenue from car parks, and the weather.

Wow, it's not often a marketing manager is annoyed when their campaign works.

The council's most recent quarterly report from January to March estimated a total deficit of $92.6 million, up from $79 million originally forecast.

At the time of the quarterly report, parking revenues were down $5.6 million.

That's apparently because people were adopting working from home as the new normal.

Are you kidding me?

Maybe it's because we've been persuaded into not driving, parking, and sadly shopping in town.

Has anyone thought of that?

Apparently car park occupancy hasn't fully bounced back after the COVID-19 pandemic, and is sitting about 54 per cent, falling short of the 80 per cent target.

Does that really surprise anybody?

All we ever hear is keep your car out of town, get on your bike, start cycling.

So we get all these cycleways, then suddenly we have lost money that normally goes into parking meters, and we ask why?

The report said the council's broader agenda of reducing reliance on cars would also be affecting the reduced parking revenues.

Whoever figured that one out deserves some big bucks.

I know sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but it's hard not to be sarcastic when you read this.

Our very own council is saying fewer cars are coming in into town and parking, and we've got a cash flow problem because of it.

How does it make you feel when you know that your rates are going to go up again?

And trust me on one thing, it's going to get worse before it gets better.

Just imagine when they start the Let's Get Wellington Moving construction through the middle of the city.

How many people are going to be driving into town to go shopping when everything is closed?

Your vote, your people, running this once fantastic city.

Hard not to be sarcastic right now.

LISTEN ABOVE 

Today I read an article by Georgina Campbell that really confused me.
The Wellington City Council is forecasting its deficit to increase to $92.6 million.
Why?
They're blaming dwindling revenue from car parks, and the weather.
Wow, it's not often a marketing manager is annoyed when their campaign works.
The council's most recent quarterly report from January to March estimated a total deficit of $92.6 million, up from $79 million originally forecast.
At the time of the quarterly report, parking revenues were down $5.6 million.
That's apparently because people were adopting working from home as the new normal.
Are you kidding me?
Maybe it's because we've been persuaded into not driving, parking, and sadly shopping in town.
Has anyone thought of that?
Apparently car park occupancy hasn't fully bounced back after the COVID-19 pandemic, and is sitting about 54 per cent, falling short of the 80 per cent target.
Does that really surprise anybody?
All we ever hear is keep your car out of town, get on your bike, start cycling.
So we get all these cycleways, then suddenly we have lost money that normally goes into parking meters, and we ask why?
The report said the council's broader agenda of reducing reliance on cars would also be affecting the reduced parking revenues.
Whoever figured that one out deserves some big bucks.
I know sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but it's hard not to be sarcastic when you read this.
Our very own council is saying fewer cars are coming in into town and parking, and we've got a cash flow problem because of it.
How does it make you feel when you know that your rates are going to go up again?
And trust me on one thing, it's going to get worse before it gets better.
Just imagine when they start the Let's Get Wellington Moving construction through the middle of the city.
How many people are going to be driving into town to go shopping when everything is closed?
Your vote, your people, running this once fantastic city.
Hard not to be sarcastic right now.
LISTEN ABOVE

Wellingtonians now have the chance to discuss the issues of the day one-on-one with proud local Nick Mills and have a forum to share their ideas, passions and outrages on a daily basis.

You don't find many people more passionate about the capital than Nick, and he comes to Wellington Mornings after decades of success as the man behind some of the city's leading hospitality and entertainment offerings - Spruce Goose, Hummingbird and the Wellington Saints basketball team just to name a few.

Nick's proud of his city but also knows much can be improved on to make Wellington an even better place, and brings an honest, edgy, fun and engaging show to Wellingtonians each weekday from 9 'til midday.

Wellingtonians now have the chance to discuss the issues of the day one-on-one with proud local Nick Mills and have a forum to share their ideas, passions and outrages on a daily basis. You don't find many people more passionate about the capital than Nick, and he comes to Wellington Mornings after decades of success as the man behind some of the city's leading hospitality and entertainment offerings - Spruce Goose, Hummingbird and the Wellington Saints basketball team just to name a few. Nick's proud of his city but also knows much can be improved on to make Wellington an even better place, and brings an honest, edgy, fun and engaging show to Wellingtonians each weekday from 9 'til midday.

Wellingtonians now have the chance to discuss the issues of the day one-on-one with proud local Nick Mills and have a forum to share their ideas, passions and outrages on a daily basis.

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