Letters to Editor 6 March 2009
Make Golden Bay roads safer
Please join the campaign to make Golden Bay roads safer. A petition calling for an 80kmph maximum speed limit on Golden Bay roads north of Paynes Ford bridge is quickly gaining widespread support. But the more signatures the better.
The dangerous stretches of road and intersections where driving at 100kmph is unsafe are too numerous to mention. Therefore, an overall 80kmph limit - still retaining 50kmph and 70kmph zones where appropriate - is the most sensible and cheapest option to improve road safety. Speed is a major factor in many accidents. Reducing the speed limit will make the roads safer for all road users - pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, as well as motorists.
There would also be environmental and economic benefits which include less noise pollution for residents living next to main roads and a reduction in the use of fuel (driving at 80kmph uses considerably less fuel than driving at 100kmph). Do we really need to drive at 100kmph anywhere in Golden Bay?
So far, copies of the petition are available to sign at the Takaka Library, Golden Bay Organics and the Bainham Store. Other outlets may follow.
Richard Stocker and Patsy Garrett, Alec and Marion Milne,
John Salmon and Paddy Brennan and Rudolf Samper
Two tables, four dozen cups and sound equipment
Hoping that our community has had a good summer with events, fundraising, family and visitors. It’s now time to check that items borrowed have been returned. The Community Centre looks forward to the return of two tables and approximately four dozen coffee cups. Left at the Community Centre are two large speakers and pieces of electronic equipment. We have no idea where they came from. If they belong to you, please collect within the next two weeks as after that they will then be disposed of.
Sheryl Nalder, manager, GB Community Workers
Local organisations for database
Would all those clubs, services and organisations who wish to update their contact details in the Golden Bay database which is kept by Heartlands please contact me with them. Email address: heartlands@gbwct.org.nz or phone 525 6151.
Wendy Earle, Heartlands co-ordinator
Fire brigade’s rescue equipment
Collingwood Volunteer Fire Brigade purchased two first aid backpacks and one resuscitation bag at the end of 2008. They are fully stocked and easy to grab and carry for quick response. They have already been well utilised at a variety of callouts since their arrival. The money raised from last year’s fireworks display was allocated to their purchase, as well as donations from local businesses and many personal donations. Many thanks to all those who donated to this very worthwhile and necessary equipment.
Graeme Miller, CFO
Horse play
Does anyone knows who owns the horse that was in the Mardi Gras Parade? We’d really like to borrow it for a pantomime at The Playhouse. We’ll promise to take good care of it and feed it. Please contact me if you can help on 525 7939.
Tony Cunningham, props manager
Golden Valley Country Music Awards
As the Golden Valley Country Music Awards are coming up at Queen’s Birthday Weekend, 30 and 31 May, we would like to let the public know this is the 20th year the awards have been run successfully. The participation and popularity is excellent, but the cost of running these awards is tremendous. We would appreciate anyone willing to sponsor a section, for free advertising. Some excellent guests this year. Will advertise later. If you would like further information ph Judy 525 8175 or Heather 525 8804.
Heather Hovenden, secretary
What are you doing on Sunday?
The seventh Tinbum Triathlon will take place this Sunday at the Pohara Beach Top Ten Holiday Park. The Junior Tinbum, for primary school-aged children, is on again too. It will follow the Senior Tinbum. Entries for both events will be taken on the day and all competitors must attend the pre-race briefings. Details of the swim/bike/run legs are published on page 20 of this issue.
The organisers are grateful to the sponsors who have already donated prizes. The proceeds from the event will once again go to GBHS Home and School Association and Motupipi School to support student activities.
If the events need to be postponed they will be rescheduled, probably in a fortnight.
Mark Allinson and Neil Wilson
Wonderful site for dog trials
The Takaka Dog Trials continues to enjoy great financial support from our community and this really does set the foundation for our success. Our grateful thanks to all sponsors and donors. We set a new record for entries again this year (passed 200 for the first time) and the competitors are very happy with our trials. We had three groups come up from Banks Peninsula this year and I overheard the comment, “What a wonderful site for a trial ground.” More help on the day would be welcome and if anyone would like to be involved please be in touch.
Ian Alach, secretary
Library’s free internet use - reply
Hannah’s letter (GBW 27/2) is timely. Let me clarify the libraries’ position on internet access. The access is provided by the Aotearoa People’s Network (APN) which is a country-wide initiative to put fast, free broadband and internet services into public libraries in New Zealand. The funding for the project comes from Central Government. This is what we have in place at the moment:
Computer 1 is for TDC cardholders and locals and can be prebooked by phone for ½-1 hour or take your chance and pop in.
Computers 2 & 3 can only be booked in ½ hour slots by putting your name on the whiteboard. Anyone can book these computers. The ½ slots are blocked out for children from 3.30-5.00pm each afternoon.
Wi-fi is also available. We have restricted the number of users and the use of laptops to the meeting room and the study carrel desk in the young adult reading area.
This will suit most of our customers most of the time but not all of our customers all of the time. If you have questions or suggestions for improvements to our management of the broadband and wifi service please come and talk it over or phone me on 525 0058.
Tish Potter, branch librarian, Takaka Memorial Library
