Letters to Editor 1 May
Cycling on the Heaphy Track
The article about the Heaphy Track being touted as part of a national cycleway (GBW 24/4) has me somewhat concerned.
The Heaphy is predominantly a walking track, and whilst small numbers of cyclists would not pose a problem, I’m not convinced that large numbers can mix well with trampers. I have met cyclists on the track and they stopped and let me pass. But they were there illegally, and may have reacted differently if legal. Certainly not all cyclists are so considerate, and one hut warden has been knocked down by a bike coming down from Perry Saddle. The cyclist stopped, but then sped off again when seeing that the warden was still moving.
I think opening the track for a trial period, say the month after the Easter holidays, would be the way to go. To leave it open all winter could be a recipe for disaster. Two friends set off in winter to cycle over one day and return the next. But horizontal rain and sleet after Perry Saddle slowed them down and they spent the night at Saxon Hut. They awoke the next day to snow, beautiful but making for slow progress, and there was work on the track down from Mackay Hut, making for a very slow descent and another night at Heaphy Hut. Luckily they had sleeping bags and some food, but how many cyclists will overestimate their capabilities?
I’m writing a book about the Heaphy and would love to hear of any trips by bike, horse, motorbike, skateboard, etc. Contact me at 525 8154 or cpetyt@xtra.co.nz.
Chris Petyt
ANZAC exhibition
The Golden Bay Museum would like to thank those who contributed to our first annual ANZAC exhibition. The personal objects, photos and documents have enabled us to create a very interesting exhibition and we look forward to drawing on different stories and families next year. It was particularly good to have input from the young generation of service personnel in Takaka on ANZAC Day and they promise to be back next year.
The current exhibition will run until June.
Jane McDonald, collections manager, and Karen Johnson, administration manager Golden Bay Museum
Dining4Twelve – Singles 50 to 65
This concept is not new. With the advent of winter, people tend to stay indoors and we think that getting out and about would be more beneficial. We stress that this is not a dating club, we do not pair people up, we merely organise venues and activities and take it from there. There are no fees apart from a gold coin donation for minor expenses. On 17 May we are hosting a bike ride and lunch and on 31 May there will be a pot luck lunch at Melrose House (and the number is not limited to 12).
Registrations keep rolling in but, sad to say, the majority are from women. Does Golden Bay have single males who would like to meet up with some awesome women for wining, dining, wine trailing, fishing, biking? If so email us <Dining4Twelve@xtra.co.nz> or send a stamped self-addressed envelope to Dining4Twelve, c/- PO Box 2092, Stoke.
Jenny Brown
Thank you
The residents, Tina, and myself at Abbeyfield wish to say a huge thank you to this wonderful community of Takaka for spoiling us so much with your contributions of fruit, vegetables, proteas, eggs, and yes, screw tops for those old-type Agee jars. Honestly everything that has been brought in or left on the bench when no-one is around has either been used fresh, frozen or bottled. If I set out to mention all of the types of produce I am sure to miss one out and that just would not do. I wish for you all, that love and peace that comes with giving. You are truly amazing.
Lynette Stewart, housekeeper, Abbeyfield
Two extremes on ANZAC Day
At 6.10am on ANZAC Day I observed, while travelling to the dawn parade, a considerable section of Commercial Street, Takaka, vandalised in various forms. I am sure the service women and men involved in the previous world wars did not forfeit their lives fighting for the future generations’ freedom to condone such actions.
My questions and comments are as follows. Who were these idiots? Someone knows. What state of mind were they in? If they were younger persons, did their parents not teach them respect and common sense along with care for other people’s property? Obviously not. If they were mature persons, it’s too late! I am disgusted and ashamed.
At 9am I attended the RSA service in Takaka; still upset, but hey. at the service we had an excellent presentation by a young man, Rhys Kerr, very thought-provoking. I congratulate you, Rys, you restored my faith in the younger generation.
I think the day is not far away that all young people may have to attend life skills camp, but unfortunately those well raised and cared for young people will be required to attend because of the failure of some parents neglecting their child-rearing responsibilities.
Noel Riley
Greedy people
God must love greedy people; he makes so many of them. Despite community PR, local government actions seem greedily clear. If you can’t afford to live here, don’t.
Some “Richmond type” suburban ideas and regulations forced on our rural life and land, need to be shoved in a wheelie bin or flushed down a pipe-dream. By design they curb and channel our common sense in the name of paying more dollars into their dream rates-making machine. It’s a game, to see how long we keep our head in the sand whilst Richmond sets up its “jewel in the crown of Tasman”, as they refer to us.
I feel unsafe under this drooling gaze and don’t wish to fuel the exploitive intent behind it, through advertising overseas.
Did we vote for this class of governance? It’s not our mistakes that define us but what we do afterward that matters.
Golden Bay has more in common with Nelson City Council. Let’s join them, redevelop port culture, connect our secluded living treasure to a more respectful relationship, in this long-term social and cultural work-in-progress we call home.
Chris Finlayson
Going home
I set off from Scotland to journey, experience and learn. “How long will you be?” I was asked. Well, after India, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia I came to New Zealand. What an amazing place! For the last few years Golden Bay has been the icing on the cake. The sense of community, diversity, positiveness and beauty make Golden Bay a unique place in the world. A huge heartfelt thanks and love to all those who have touched and been part of my life here - friends, community workers and clients. After 11 years, it is now time for me to return home. Come and join me for a final drink and blether at the Old School Café, Pakawau on Saturday 9 May between 2pm and 5pm. (Child friendly)
Claire Pearson
“Cuckoo-land”
I would like to express my thanks to those who assisted me after my little episode early on Monday morning. People sometimes refer to “cuckoo- land”; I can now say that I’ve been there and it is wonderful to be back home again.
To the St John ambulance drivers who delivered me in shifts to Nelson Hospital; the marvellous team in the Collingwood Volunteer Fire Brigade who thankfully didn’t need cutting gear to get me up and out (I hope you’ve all recovered from the sight of me in my fire-engine-red undies); Dr Gibbs and staff at the GB Medical Centre; and those who’ve phoned and left messages, etc. I thank you all sincerely.
Thanks to very efficient and thorough medical attention I’m back home and feeling fine. We are, indeed, fortunate to live in this very special and caring part of the world. My kind regards.
John Milne
