Lively debate over Games sponsorship

Press, 10 February 1989, Page 10

Lively debate over Games sponsorship

The Port Hills Energy Authority’s proposed cosponsorship of the 1990 Commonwealth Games funding appeal caused lively discussion at the authority’s meeting. In association with 'Electricorp Marketing, all supply, authorities are being asked to co-sponsor a Games funding appeal. After watching a video on the advantages of sponsoring the appeal, several authority members agreed that the scheme was a soft sell public relations exercise and a thinly disguised request for a donation. The Port Hills Energy Authority, as a small authority, is being asked to give $2500 towards the appeal and enclose supporters’ club advertising with electricity bill notices. Mr Alex Smith said he could not see that any more would be gained

than if they did nothing and let other supply authorities contribute. However, he conceded that if the Port Hills Energy Authority did not publicise the Games to its customers, another energy authority would. Mr Fred Chapman and Mr Bob Simcox voted against the sponsorship on the ground that it was a waste of customers’ money. Tunnel building The authority is investigating renting the National Roads Board tunnel building from the Works Corporation. If the authority decided to rent it, the building will house' all office staff at present in the Heathcote County Council and Lyttelton Borough Council buildings, excluding the showroom staff and some electriciaris and line workers.