At a meeting on Thursday, Councillors approved a year of financial backing for a YMCA-managed daytime storage facility for New Plymouth's homeless. The money will be drawn from the council's agility reserve.
While the motion passed, several members questioned the true purpose of the service.
Councillor EJ Barrett suggested the scheme is designed to clear footpaths for commercial operators rather than assist the vulnerable. They argued the initiative simply removes personal belongings from public view to prevent congestion in the CBD.
Stepping in for an absent Mayor Max Brough, Deputy Mayor Moira George led the discussion. She defended the expenditure as a necessary measure to support local retailers, and pointed out that commercial properties contribute triple the rates of residential homes and their concerns require action.
A strong consensus emerged that Wellington should be picking up the tab.
YMCA strategic adviser Gareth Jones presented to the room, confirming his organisation had appealed to central government for financial aid but was turned down.
Operating the daytime lock-up will actually cost the YMCA more than the grant provided. Jones noted the council had firmly capped its contribution at the $65,000 mark.
Councillor Sam Bennett said he was "hugely disappointed" by the lack of national intervention.
Councillor Gina Blackburn agreed, accusing government ministers of having "put their fingers in their ears" regarding regional social issues.
This latest financial commitment adds to a pre-existing pledge of $800,000 for the YMCA's Lemon Street night shelter spread across four years.
The mounting local expenditure frustrated several members. Councillor David Bublitz questioned tapping into the agility reserve, which is typically reserved for urgent or unforeseen emergencies.
"We can't continue to be the bank," Bublitz said during the meeting.
Councillor Murray Chong took a similar stance. He declared he is done approving ratepayer cash for these types of social initiatives, saying "We can't be the golden goose who keeps giving out money."
Councillor Gordon Brown also challenged the ongoing spending; "The problem with worthy causes is there is no end to them."
Gordon Brown, Damon Fox and Christine Fabish voted against the motion.
