Letters, 20 March 2009
Freedom camping
Regarding Jeff Woodward’s letter (GBW 13/3). Most of the sites mentioned by Mr Woodward have a toilet and all those travellers spend money here, so what’s the problem?
When going on holiday every person makes a conscious choice as to the level of accommodation they desire. I personally dislike staying in hotels, motels and “legit camping grounds”. I have been a “freedom camper” for some 60 years because that is what I prefer, not because I’m a “bludger”.
Cost is also a consideration. On our recent six-month trip around New Zealand it would have cost us perhaps $5000 to stay in camping grounds. We actually spent about $500 and stayed in some amazing places. Why should we be forced to stay in camp grounds when we don’t want to, or need to, as we had a toilet and grey-waste tank in our van? Many councils have regulations allowing self-contained vans to freedom camp; they also sometimes provide cheap, basic sites with a toilet, similar to DOC campsites. The one at Barrytown, near Wanaka, is huge. TDC could formalise the unofficial camping in the Bay by doing something similar and/or DOC could have basic campgrounds more central than its existing ones at Canaan and the Cobb.
River Howe
Tourism rate
Resonse to John Lee’s letter (GBW 13/3): Tourism Nelson Tasman Ltd (TNTL) is a council-controlled organisation jointly owned by the Tasman District Council and Nelson City Council.
The setting of annual objectives and the subsequent reporting back to both councils is prescribed in legislation. TNTL on an annual basis provides a statement of intent to both councils for approval. This statement of intent includes amongst other things the objectives of the company for the coming year. On an annual basis the company provides to both councils audited financial statements reporting against the objectives previously agreed to in the statement of intent.
The staff report presented to council on March 5 2009 noted that the Tourism Industry Association of NZ support the use of targeted rates for destination marketing and management of a region. Council in considering the staff report agreed with the recommendation of TNTL for additional funding subject to appropriate industry support being received. The request for additional funding is included in the draft LTCCP which will shortly be open for public consultation.
The total rate proposed to be collected is $181,000 plus GST which equates to $203,625 including GST.
The final rate for inclusion in the draft LTCCP is Tier 1 $322.87 and Tier 2 $79.87 both including GST
Murray Staite, TDC corporate services manager
Speed limit in the Bay
Now I know why all those signs on the Hill tell us that we’re coming to a “Slow Vehicle Bay”. We just have to think that 100kmph actually means 80kmph. After all, anything is possible here when there’s a festival at Tui going till 38 March (GBW 13/3).
Seriously, I join those who would like us all, please, to slow down.
Helen Kingston
I fully support an 80kmph speed limit throughout the Bay. Actually, I am already implementing it. Why don’t you?
Out of respect for Sam and his family and all the families who have lost loved ones on our roads; Drive 80kmph now!
Doris Sadlowksi
Marijuana a big deal? Yeah right!
Is it dangerous? Cannabis has been shown to inhibit temporarily the mental development of under 18-year-olds. And is not a “trigger” for mental illness. Peanuts kill more people than cannabis.
Is it illegal? Yes, but not for protecting young people. More likely to hinder any medical cannabis research.
Is it morally destructive? Probably less than tobacco or alcohol; all drugs are open to abuse. Prohibition exposes people to the criminal elements. Our children’s minds will “warp” when they realise the facts their parents and schools gave them were just lies. Is this how we gain trust?
Underlying problems: Any problems need to be treated as health issues, not criminal. The police are the last people suited to dealing with health issues.
I’m surprised Be Well is happy to connect their name to this non-informative, misleading reprint from the New Idea (GBW 13/3 display ad). This article, full of “maybes”, “I thinks” and “could’ do’s” is nothing more than an advocate for maintaining status quo.
Is Be Well saying that stigmatising and criminalising young people is the way to deal with society’s drug problem? When did scaring kids into not doing illegal things ever work as a parenting technique?
Steven Wilkinson
CEO’s attendance at meeting
Further to the GBW 13/3 article about the 10 March community board meeting it must be pointed out that Mr Wylie’s attendance was entirely at his own instigation. It is therefore very dishonest and duplicitous for him to state, as reported, ”This debate [about council charges] is a classic example of how costs occur.” “I don’t want to be here having this debate with you.”
It was Mr Wylie’s decision to come to the meeting. He is always welcome to attend our meetings; however we cannot afford to invite him to come.
Following the 4 March announcement he was attending the meeting, we clarified there would be no $336 per hour cost to our community through the community board budget for his attendance. The relevant correspondence can be provided in confirmation of this.
It is entirely right that we know the details of what has been done to justify charging our community (to 21 December 2008) costs of $1848. Especially, when the five dates for which charges were recorded are all Sundays.
Joe Bell, chairperson, Golden Bay Community Board
Thumbs Up
When they dish out the gongs next Queen’s Birthday I hope they don’t overlook that wonderful person who recently re-fitted the door latches on the Takaka public toilets so that the handles work the right way around.
Rick Cosslett
Toolbox Parenting courses
The Toolbox Parenting courses are run each year on a needs basis. These courses are practical, fun and have that feel-good factor about your kids. Full of DVDs, discussion and practical tips, these courses are run by trained facilitators. We need at least five to six people to attend for the courses to run. It would be really helpful if the people who said they would come, came.
Claire Pearson
Golden Bay Community Service Vehicle Trust
On Saturday 21 February the trust invited all voluntary drivers and partners of Wrinklies Express to a lunch at Anatoki Salmon, with approximately 30 attending. Some of the drivers caught the salmon, it was then flavoured and smoked and prepared for lunch, the trust supplying salads, breads and desserts. All costs were on the trust to show appreciation for the voluntary work of the drivers.
A glorious day was had by all; many many thanks to drivers, we couldn’t run such a good service without them.
Heather Hovenden, Secretary
Car park for Labyrinth Rocks
I attended the community board meeting in Collingwood on Tuesday 10 March 2009 to point out my disappointment in what I regard as very slow action by the council in providing a carpark for the Labyrinth Rocks Park.
I had been told at previous meetings that money was available. During my address, through the chair, I asked our two local council members just what they had done to assist our case for the car park? Cr Riley responded, giving me the impression that he was not impressed with my question. His answer left me quite stunned. He answered that “they could do nothing to assist”.
If this is the case, I am left to wonder why these two councillors have been representing us if they cannot support an issue such as this one? Through your column I would hope that they will let the readers know just why they “could not assist” with support for this great tourist attraction. Is their support too much to ask for, or are they too afraid to rock the boat?
This leaves me wondering as a ratepayer, just who is running the TDC?
Ross McDonald
Response from Cr Riley: I am not sure where your correspondent got the impression that I do not support Labyrinth Park. I have never stated I did not support it. My explanation at the community board meeting was intended to advise all present of a councillor’s role in today’s local government scene. I say again, staff are the responsibility of the CEO. We, as councillors, are responsible for council policy. However as councillors for Tasman District we have some flexibility, fortunately, and have the ability to talk to staff on various matters and do so regularly. Obviously such issues as Labyrinth Rocks have been discussed with relevant staff along with advice, however councillors do not have the authority to instruct staff, unlike some past local authority councillors.
Noel Riley
