$100,000 approved for trust office and staff

An independent trust is to be created, backed by $100,000 from ratepayers, to make the most of Dunedin's new Unesco City of Literature status.

Councillors at yesterday's pre-draft long-term plan deliberations voted to endorse the creation of the trust, to manage City of Literature activities.

They also voted to approve funding of $100,000 for the 2015-16 year, followed by $50,000 in subsequent years - subject to a review of programmes developed and grant funding secured for it.

Cr Neville Peat said the money would pay for the activities of the trust, which would need an office and one full-time staff member plus a part-timer.

The city's success in securing City of Literature status had been celebrated around the city but it was now time to ''put some flesh and bones on to the concept'', he said.

''It does need money.''

Mayor Dave Cull said it was important to appreciate the significance of the success, which put Dunedin on an international pedestal.

''We are in pretty prestigious and exalted company ... We have probably risen in the estimation of the rest of the world as a result of winning this.''

That had cost the council a ''pittance'', but the council needed to continue the investment, he said.

''We can't just let it drop ... we are obligated to maintain the effort.''

 

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