Another point is local government is facing a number of issues and in Palmerston North, the city council is no different. Some of the key issues are: increased rates, growing debt, infrastructure deficits, housing affordability, climate change, and changing recreational needs. This Huia Street Reserve was formerly occupied by the Manawatū Bowling Club. It hasn't been used for about 15 years, so it's just sitting there, effectively, unutilised by the local community. It gives an option for the Palmerston North City Council to do something different. It doesn't commit the council to immediately selling or developing the land, but it does provide the opportunity for public consultation should the council move to rezone the land under the First Schedule of the Resource Management Act.