Wellington's cracks are showing: The decay of our cool capital
Wellington is struggling to complete major infrastructure projects due to a combination of cost blowouts, bureaucratic hurdles, and a culture of opposition. Critics argue that the city's highly engaged and politically savvy population often halts development, leading to a cycle of stagnation.
Why it matters
The article highlights the challenges of urban development and governance in capital cities where public scrutiny can lead to infrastructure paralysis.
The cracks are showing in Wellington's efforts to get infrastructure projects off the ground. They've been stymied by cost blowouts that have been compounded by expensive reviews into why the projects shouldn't proceed.
The article presents a critique of local governance and civic culture, balancing quotes from observers with descriptions of specific project failures.
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