Letters to the editor 12 December 2008
School bus tendering
I wish to refer to the recently disputed matter of the tendering for the school bus contracts both nationally and locally.
It has occurred to me that in local body affairs a Golden Bay councillor was responsible for moving the vital resolution which resulted in the demise of a Murchison Lakes ward councillor. We now have the spectacle of a Golden Bay bus company being responsible for the demise of a well-run, reliable and locally-serviced school bus company Murchison Buses Ltd.
After the reaction of the Murchison people to the loss of a councillor, I do not expect that the Golden Bay bus company will be welcomed with open arms by the Murchison people.
Fergus O'Connor (Richmond)
A thumb and a smile
I want to thank all of those kind people who have picked me up hitch-hiking the last three weeks, getting me to work and back from my home in Rangihaeata.
Having my vehicle break down three weeks ago has left me no choice but to hitch-hike, (one's thumb and a smile are the only mass transit that I could find here in Golden Bay) and this "breakdown" has manifested into a wonderful experience for me in many, many ways. I have gotten to meet many of my neighbours, gotten rides from some old friends, made some new friends, ended up on some interesting side-trips and each ride/person has been a very pleasant experience for me. I feel extremely blessed to live in a community where the inconveniences of a broken vehicle could become such a blessing. Thanks to all those who have stopped.
Tenzin Kalden
Library bench
Many thanks to the Lions Club of Golden Bay for providing the lovely new bench in the library courtyard. Not only will it be useful, but it is attractive and complements both the garden and building. We are lucky to have such a generous club in the community. Thank you again.
Tish Potter, branch librarian, Takaka Memorial Library
Communication in an emergency
In response to Gerald Langford's letter (GBW letters 5/12) I'd like to remind the people of Golden Bay that Fresh FM is your local Community Access radio station, and we have the ability to interrupt our regular programme during emergencies to provide updates and information as it comes to hand.
More importantly as far as Golden Bay is concerned, in a localised emergency the Fresh FM Takaka Studio can broadcast local information solely on 95.2FM.
Mr Langford's idea ignores the fact that not everyone has either a cell phone or cell coverage, whereas virtually every home in the country has a radio - and aren't we told in an emergency to listen to local radio? Fresh FM already exists as a proudly not-for-profit local service (the only truly local radio service for the region) and could well do with the sort of financial support Mr Langford suggests to enhance our infrastructure and improve our coverage to Golden Bay.
Mike Williams, station manager
Fresh FM (99.4 and 95.2FM in Golden Bay)
Tata Titanic Cardboard Boat Race
Golden Bay's annual iconic event is planned for Sunday 11 January (see advert page 29) and once again there is free cardboard available from GB Recreation behind the Brigand Café.
There is also free paint available to the swift to help waterproof your craft. The gauntlet must be thrown down. You can't let the Dodgy Dodsons win for a third time, can you?
Dave Myall, recreation co-ordinator
Swimming club
Contrary to what you might have thought from last week's GB Weekly, the local swimming club has not changed its name again. Several years ago we did change the name from Takaka Amateur Swimming Club so as to better reflect the area the club serves, but it is now still called Golden Bay Swimming.
The club operates at GBHS pool every week day from 4-6pm (during school terms 4 and 1). There are coached sessions at various levels on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with Rob Arbouw heading the coach team, and uncoached sessions on Monday (for competitive swimmers) and Friday (for all club swimmers). A few coached sessions may continue during the holidays for the competitive swimmers.
Also news flash: Golden Bay Swimming is holding the first ever Locals Swim Meet in February. This will be a chance for local swimmers to join the club swimmers in a length or three of the pool. More info closer to the time.
Finally, the club president has not changed his name. He is still Graeme Wells.
Graeme Wells, Golden Bay Swimming
Thanks for the new path at Fonterra
Thank you to Fonterra for the path they have made, bypassing the roundabout on the busy dairy factory corner. This has made the walk to town that much easier with buggy and bike in tow!
Taryn Cosgrove, Jack & Jed Winter
