Letters to Editor 19 December 2008
School bus tendering
Fergus O'Connor in raising the question of school bus tendering (GBW 12/12), unwittingly perpetuates the myth that a Golden Bay councillor was responsible for the loss of a Lakes-Murchison councillor seat in the last Representation Review.
During the vital meeting on 10 August 2006 Cr Borlase/Cr Henry moved a motion to be debated. This was subsequently amended by Cr King/Cr O'Shea and the amendment passed 10-3. The amended motion then became the substantive motion CN06/08/03 moved King (Moutere-Waimea)/O'Shea (Motueka) and passed 9-4.
These minutes can be read on: <http://www.tdc.govt.nz/index.php?SpecialCouncilMinutes,Thursday10August2006>. The context of this vote followed strong statements by the then CEO and then mayor that councillors had to move to meet the representation population requirements.
The aftermath of the vote led to ‘blame' being unjustly put onto Cr Borlase; the failed attempt to abolish our community boards; and then to the nasty targeted rate on communities with community boards. Councillors present on 10 August 2006 know the truth, but continue to unfairly punish our community on the basis of a myth.
For the record, the Golden Bay Community Board supported the retention of two ward councillors for Lakes-Murchison in submissions to both TDC and Local Government Commission.
Joe Bell
Chairperson, Golden Bay Community Board
Amendment
Nicola Wooding has been a jewellery tutor in Golden Bay Workcentre's mixed media and design course this year (GBW article 12/12).
Emergency information
One of the key civil defence messages is to listen to the radio for emergency information. It was good to read about the new Community Response Plan (GBW 28/11) that lists the three stations we should listen to: Classic Hits 1269 AM, More FM 92, Fresh FM 101. (Or should that last one be National Radio 101?)
So I eagerly grabbed our dynamo radio to test our reception. Zilch. Can't hear any one of these three stations at our otherwise fully-serviced Collingwood location. That means we won't get any emergency information. It's a worry.
I urge every Golden Bay resident to try out the three frequencies. If you can't receive any of the radio stations, you should let the Golden Bay Community Response co-ordinating group know. Then they will be able to work on a solution. Unfortunately Fresh FM in Golden Bay (95.2) has limited coverage.
Penny Griffith
Variation 57
Once again TDC has completely missed the point. All those properties to be affected by "Variation 57", whatever that might be, should have had a personal letter from TDC explaining what they intended to do and why. The letter should have explained options and costs and detailed information that would have allowed those to be affected to be part of the decision-making process for the protection of the town.
The letter should also have advised us of the date and time of the public meeting that was held. I think I speak for most of us here in the town when I say I had no idea what was being proposed or the possible consequences.
Once again we are going to have to fight to get rid of this nonsensical proposal.
Tony Sandall
Santa Parade on Saturday
A final reminder to those attending tomorrow's Santa Parade in Takaka. Judging of floats, decorated bikes and masks will take place at Sollys' yard at 9am. Parade begins at 10am. We'll travel along Commercial Street, led by the Takaka Citizens' Band, followed by Little Honey the traction engine, floats, collctable cars, Motueka Pipe Band, Santa in his sleigh. Children who've made masks and decorated bikes will follow safely at the rear. We'll do a U-turn through the i-site car park then double park onto the main street for prize giving and entertainment at the Village Green.
Ron Swan will be judging and mayor Richard Kempthorne will assist with prize giving. Members of the GB Collectable Car Club and helpers will be handing out lollies, balloons, soft toys and spot prizes, so come along and enjoy yourselves.
Parade organisers have permission to close and use the main street between 10am and noon. To avoid congestion, we would prefer the public to use the car parks and leave Commercial Street free of public vehicles. We ask for your co-operation in remembering this. Organisers and those directing traffic are volunteers who've given their time for the kids in the Bay.
See you there rain or shine.
Ross McDonald, President
Collectable Vehicle Club of Golden Bay Inc
Waste of money
Thanks TDC for the great new crossings on Bird's Road, Clifton. Unfortunately they have now needlessly wasted a whole lot of ratepayers' money installing three brand new signs indicating "Ford" on the road. No-one, unless utterly drunk, would not see the fords well before the point where they could slow down safely and as for having one on the uphill side of the fords - well! Everyone who sees that sign has already crossed the fords on their way up the hill, so why have to state the obvious to them on the way back down?
Now that the "silly season" is nearly with us, those of us who live up Bird's Road await the annual onslaught of the fast, dangerous drivers (and mountain bikers) hurtling up and down the road oblivious of anyone else coming the other way. Pity the signs didn't say "Slow Down", "Keep Left" and "Watch for Cyclists". They would have been far more useful.
Why is it that TDC never seems to consult locals before spending our money?
River Howe
Labyrinth "Crusaders"
I note with interest that nothing appears to have been done regarding the upkeep and maintenance of the above local attraction. It seems odd to me that if a photo opportunity arises or a meeting of interested parties occurs, all and sundry are eager to attend, yet how much funding is needed to pull a few weeds and maintain a few paths? Come on guys! Let's make Dave W and Golden Bay proud to be actually physically involved!
Gary Clough
Season's greetings
The GB Weekly thanks the Golden Bay community for its support and encouragement in 2008. May your Christmas be merry, your summer be everything you wish for and 2009 be another great year.
Marg Braggins, Neil Wilson, Maria Polglase,
Ina Holst, Gerard Hindmarsh, Sue Mitchison,
Mary Ann Tait, Fiona Feasey, Sol Morgan
