MEDIA RELEASE

Ratepayer Records - Wellington Council Parties Continue With Ratepayer-Funded Vinyl Collection

8 NOVEMBER 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Taxpayers’ Union has obtained figures showing Wellington City Council have spent over $20,000 compiling a vinyl collection for Wellington Library.

Over $5,000 was spent on storage costs, and $750 on a turntable, contributing to a total spend of $21,293.35, with a further $10,000 per year earmarked to keep the collection running.

Two weeks ago, the Taxpayers’ Union exposed Wellington City Council’s lavish ratepayer-funded party, costing $50,000.

A spokesperson for the Taxpayers’ Union, Matthew Rhodes says:

“The tens of thousands of dollars spent on flashy parties and vinyl suggests that Wellington City Council simply don’t have their priorities right. The Council should focus on providing essential services and local infrastructure in a cost-effective manner, rather than funding a few hipsters’ vinyl obsession.”

"Vinyl is inherently fragile. That's why people collect, rather than borrow. Why the Council would waste precious library money on a collection which is unlikely to last, needs answering."

“Media coverage promoting the vinyl collection even documents a chuffed library worker describing being armed with a Council credit card to go out and blow hard earned ratepayer money on the records.”

“Unsurprisingly, the Council threw a launch party for the initiative. While it was not of same scale as last July’s $50,000 sister city shindig, the whole saga leaves anything but a party feeling for Wellington ratepayers, who earlier this year faced a 5.4% rates hike."

ENDS

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