This year's annual plan hearings came with massive doses of déjà vu, as some well-worn arguments were trotted out about some well-worn issues.
The two biggest issues at the hearings - the stadium and the Town Hall extension - have been the subject of long debate, and took up a considerable amount of submitters' energy.
And a group difficult to define - the silent majority - was brought on board to back up a variety of different arguments.
Dr Robert Hamlin argued action could be brought against councillors under the Local Government Act for their support of the stadium if it was not built, and the money spent was lost.
In that case, "the defence that they accepted consistent professional advice prudently and in good faith would be a weak one".
He said in his submission he did not think the councillors were corrupt.
"But I do think that they have been unwise to approve this project, and very unwise to use the Carisbrook Stadium Trust to administer it."
Emily Flynn objected to the council's suggestion the average ratepayer would pay only $66 a year for the stadium.
That was not correct, unless the council could find a bank that did not charge interest. Mrs Flynn said the true cost was $211 a year per rateable property for 20 years.
Even though the council planned to get money from its holding companies, and some was coming from the Otago Regional Council, ratepayers would end up paying for everything not paid for by the private sector, she said.
Keith and Pat Harrison have been involved with Hands off Harrop since its inception.
Mr Harrison repeated claims the proposal to build a three-storey glass extension to the Town Hall was against the spirit of the city's own district plan.
He repeated Hands off Harrop's concerns the development would diminish the facade of the Town Hall, and destroy the vista through Harrop St to First Church.
Mrs Harrison argued passionately the atrium would detract significantly from Octagon heritage precinct values.
She said petitions had attracted plenty of signatures.
"The silent majority had its say."
