PIERS FULLER/Stuff
Masterton ratepayer Robert Mackenzie says the town can t afford a $35 million civic centre and revamp. “Why they have pulled out over the earthquake red tape stuff is a load of rubbish. It’s lasted 100 years and hasn’t collapsed.” “Sure a civic centre would be great - it’s paying for it that’s the problem. What we need first and foremost in town is clean drinking water and sewage that doesn’t pollute the rivers.” Mackenzie said in 15 years he would be a pensioner, and he wouldn’t be able to afford his rates. “If we’re not working . the rates are going to kill us.”
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Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson said the location of a new civic centre hasn’t yet been finalised. Patterson said the proposed facility would be “alive” with activity. “We want to highlight the intended range of activity that is proposed for what’s been called ‘the community’s living room’. We’re looking at theatre and meeting spaces, a place for exhibitions, and including our library and archive, and some front-desk services.” Plans to build a new facility were part of the council’s last annual plan and the current long-term plan consultation asked Masterton people how much external funding the council should organise before beginning the project.