City Councillors decide not to consult the community

Today, in a decision that has stunned members of our local arts community, Palmerston North City Councillors voted not to consult on changes to improve the governance of the public Art Gallery in Palmerston North.

The decision is shocking, because it means City Councillors are simply not interested to hear what you – or the thousands of other members of our community who support this petition – have to say.

It is also shocking because our City Councillors know there is genuine and deep concern in our community as to how the Art Gallery is managed and run. But they do not wish to spend any further time, resource and energy thinking about this – they want to “draw a line under it” and move on.

It appears that a valuable opportunity has been lost today – not only for our community to be heard, but also for us to work together in trying to rebuild the reputation and former vibrancy of our public Art Gallery.

If you wish to publicly express your views on this, then you are welcome to post a reply to this update.

If you wish to express your views privately, then feel you are welcome to email me at art@zimmerman.co.nz (all emails will be received and held in full confidence).

Warm regards

Bronwyn Zimmerman