One would have thought that the decision-making process surrounding the Town Basin was an excellent opportunity for Council to demonstrate that they are truly committed to listening to residents and ratepayers.

While four options on the type of development have been canvassed, they still remain on the table. It would seem, in their desire to accommodate developers, the Council are not serious in pin-pointing what Whangarei people wish for.

Whether to sell land at our Town Basin has not been put before the community.

Surely it is time for the Council to find a mechanism – either through surveys, or a referendum – to listen and heed what people have to say.