OVER TO YOU

Congratulations to the Timaru District Council and The Timaru Herald on bringing the refurbishment of the Theatre Royal to a decision point.

Having moved from Hamilton, which after many years is building a new theatre, to Timaru this year, I will submit in person to the hearing:

You have the support of at least 60% of the ratepayers for the full option 1 rebuild. Promote naming rights for aspects of the theatre. ‘‘The Rooney Theatre Royal – The McCain foyer’’ etc, each a milliondollar sponsor with graduated sponsorship options for the bars, seating, stage and dressing rooms.

There must be a proven event manager to co-ordinate with other regional theatres, booking entertainers and productions.

On going relationship with government to get more funding and arrange ‘‘royals’’ to open the theatre with a New Zealand Royal Variety Performance.

Since it is a regional theatre, communication updates through The Timaru Herald will be key. Mayor and council, as Keith Elliott VC would say, ‘‘Do it now’’. You will be applauded for years to come. sinister misuse of parliamentary executive authority. scientifically proven that nuclear fallout from Russia’s Chernobyl disaster is still devastating farmland and causing cancers in humans.

In 1961 in Auckland a march protesting against the use and testing of nuclear weapons was led by children. New Zealanders protested against French nuclear bomb testing at Mururoa Atoll, with the government in 1995 sending a frigate, and protests were made to Britain against its testing on the Marshall Islands. The government banned all visits by American nuclear-armed or powered ships in the 1980s.

Today a nuclear explosion in little Aotearoa New Zealand could destroy our agriculture and horticulture industries and pollute our waters. We should stand with the Pacific Island nations to prevent Japan proceeding with this arrogant and hazardous plan.

Ian Hanley Timaru

Tom O’Connor St Andrews

Fiona Elworthy Timaru