Letters to the Editor Friday 27 February 2009
CEO charge-out rate
The TDC’s CEO’s charge-out rates (GBW 20/2) suggests that, over a year he “generates”, via such a charge-out rate of $338 per hour, a total of $645,120.00 for the council annually.
One hour = $336.00. One 8-hour day = $2688.00. One 5-day week = $13440.00. One year of 48 weeks – allowing for a holiday = $645,120.00.
Perhaps the Auditor General should ask whether the council is getting “value for money” for such a charge-out rate?
John Lee
Library’s free internet use
I’ve only recently discovered the cause of the build-up of backpackers in and around the library, though it seems to be easing up a little now as summer winds down. At first I thought the people hanging out on the front steps with their laptops just wanted a nice place to hang out. However I came to realise that the Wifi internet available there was the sole reason, and inside the building the lingering and interesting folk were actually waiting for their turn on the free internet terminals.
It seems strange to me that the library would want to provide two computers with broadband internet free of charge for absolutely anyone, and only one computer for those who hold library cards. Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Several terminals for the local card-holders, who pay for the privilege of using the facilities in the first place, and one for the transients who I would assume are prepared to pay to use an internet café anyway?
I totally adore our library and am a frequent visitor and hirer of rental items, and think the services available here in our little town are wonderful and necessary. Many thanks to the staff who have to enforce all the policies of the organisation.
Hannah Campbell
Affordable housing
As advocates for affordable housing we recently made a presentation to our GB Community Board which has been somewhat misunderstood and misrepresented (Motueka-Golden Bay News, 19/2). To keep the record straight, we do not advocate or support the idea that builders should be required to build affordable homes as a percentage of their yearly builds in order to alleviate the current shortage of needed homes, as had been reported.
I would like to acknowledge and thank our community board for their forward thinking in passing a resolution supporting affordable housing that is “environmentally, economically, socially and culturally viable” for Golden Bay. We continue to look at all options for affordable home ownership, including the possibility of small clusters of strawbale homes built on affordable land with the request to Tasman District Council to adjust down the consent fees for homes and land costing under $200,000.
Michael Thomas, director, Sustainable Building Alliance
Well done Pakawau
A huge thank you to the people of Pakawau for their time, energy and generous donations to the Community Chest fundraiser. The sun shone, the kids had fun and $1150 was raised. Robbie and Wendy from The Old School Café were the perfect hosts allowing us to use their facilities, their barbeque and their beach buggy, which the children loved. Thank you to Bruce McHardy for allowing us to use his land. Sara McDonnell was the winner of the “Number in the jar”. She can collect her prize from Minty Henderson on 524 8606. A huge thank you also to the musicians of the night who shared their talents, allowing us to finish off a perfect day.
Challenge: Which wee community will hold the next fundraiser for the Community Chest? This fund allows the Community Workers to help our community, where no other funding can be sought. Another way for beautiful Golden Bay to help support their own.
Claire Pearson
