Letters to Editor 21 August
Tourism targeted rate
Now that TDC’s rates ‘request’ has arrived, I ask:
1. During the forthcoming tourist season, what “services” will Tourism Nelson Tasman provide for the explicit benefit of tourism in Golden Bay, from the Golden Bay portion of the targeted tourism rate?
2. Can TDC demonstrate publicly that all businesses, properties and agencies who meet targeting criteria agreed by the council at its 10 June 2009 meeting, will be paying the new targeted tourism rate?
John Lee
Response to question 1 from Paul Davis, chief executive, Nelson Tasman Tourism: Nelson Tasman Tourism is a regional tourism organisation, structured and funded to market the entire Nelson Tasman region as a destination for visitors. We do not run separate marketing programmes for individual locations within the region, so the targeted tourism rate funding is not split and allocated by location where it is collected. Tourism businesses in Golden Bay and elsewhere in the region benefit from the overall destination marketing programme run by Nelson Tasman Tourism. This programme is outlined on our website. Separate from destination marketing, NTT will allocate $71,096 to operate the Golden Bay i-SITE in 2009/2010.
Response to question 2 from Murray Staite, TDC corporate services manager: Council has worked hard to ensure that all rateable properties that meet the criteria are rated. To achieve this level of assurance, council has used data from Apndata, a reputable data source which is part of UBD and Wises maps. This data was further modified by council and staff of Tourism Nelson to reflect all other known information. While council has taken all practical steps to ensure that all rating units that fall into the criteria are included, there is always a chance that some properties may have been inadvertently omitted. Council staff will be updating the list of rating units on an annual basis.
The use of 1080
I attended the Graf documentary on Thursday night, campaigning against the use of 1080. The showing was very well attended and many people will have come away wondering how DOC could be so misguided in the use of 1080; ERMA and Forest and Bird likewise for allowing and supporting it. What I want to logically suggest is that these organisations are not misguided, though the film was very convincing and had graphic images of the downside of 1080 that none of us can ignore.
I cannot possibly present another side here but ask concerned people to seek balance in to their understanding about the use of 1080 in our natural environment. For a start try googling ‘Outcomes of 1080 aerial drops into the New Zealand Environment’, or specifically use key words to seek answers ie effects of 1080 on native birds in New Zealand or on invertebrates. It is my assertion that, despite the adverse effects of 1080, it is still the single most important agent in our battle to prevent devastation of the native flora and fauna of New Zealand.
Jo-Anne Vaughan
Wow, I’ve just seen a documentary that has really opened my eyes about the 1080 debate. I would like to share it with as many people as possible so I’m happy to loan the DVD to anyone who wants to know more about 1080. Please phone 525 7442 to borrow. A copy of the DVD will also be donated to the library. It is a serious issue and it’s time to have a look.
Alexandra Purucker
Over 80 people came to the Wholemeal Café last Thursday to watch the Graf boys’ documentary Poisoning Paradise: Ecocide New Zealand. Thanks to all who attended with open minds in search of the truth behind 1080 poison. We all share the same love of birds, animals and the environment and want to see our forests teeming with native birds and our water safe to drink. Our challenge as a community and a nation is to find a sustainable solution to “pests” that we are all comfortable with.
Poisoning Paradise is a well-researched documentary with independent scientific analysis of DOC’s own studies. The results are disturbing. 1080 is one of the most toxic chemicals on the planet; it is banned in most countries, whilst New Zealand imports 80% of the total produced. 1080 has been used in New Zealand for over 30 years, and our forests are falling silent.
The documentary will be screening again at the Village Theatre on Tuesday 25 August, with an open discussion afterwards.
Rita and Jules
Smelly beaches
I’ve walked and swum at Golden Bay beaches for over two decades and watched them slowly become polluted. Rain now guarantees an outpouring of septic tank-smelling creeks along the waterfront. Patons Rock was particularly whiffy on Sunday. I cringe when I see children playing in these contaminated creeks or people collecting cockles after heavy rain. What used to be clean, healthy stretches of beautiful sea front appear to have become the catchment for inadequate waste systems.
And it appears that it’s not just human waste that’s out there. There was suspiciously cowpoo-coloured scum on some of the shallow beaches and inlets last summer. It was there, off and on, stuck to the sand like green glue, humming in the heat till the tides got big enough to wash it out of sight. I’ve noticed that the last two years have shown a dramatic increase in cow-scented sand. Anyone who watched 60 Minutes on TV3 this week could be forgiven in thinking that dairy farm runoff could be stopped with a little bit of effort and surely there’s an inexpensive solution to the septic tank problem. I’d like to know if TDC is aware of these issues and, if so, what are they doing about them?
Lynn Roberts
Reply from Rob Smith, acting environment and planning manager: These sorts of detailed observations from genuinely-concerned people are welcomed by council. It is the “eyes, noses and ears” of people such as your correspondent who can help the TDC ensure a healthy environment for all who use it.
If there is a particular contamination then it is likely to be from a source nearby. If you find a situation like this we encourage the public to ring their local service centre and log the complaint so that it can be addressed promptly.
While generally we are very pleased with the efforts of our farming families we do have some who let the rest of the industry down and those involved will be subject to enforcement action.
Unfortunately there isn’t an inexpensive solution to the septic tank problem; wastewater treatment suitable for fragile receiving environments does come at a cost and many old systems legitimately exist in these areas. That said ,we do enforce our rules where non-compliance exists and council continues to develop its approval processes to reflect improvements in wastewater design.
Again I stress that council compliance staff will follow up identified non-compliant wastewater discharges. If you see something that is not right, please ring and log a complaint.
New Zealand’s Defence Review
The Ministry of Defence is presently taking submissions from the public on the Defence Review 09. They want to know what you think are appropriate roles for the New Zealand’s armed forces.
If you do not want to see New Zealanders fighting in combat roles, which will result in New Zealand being added to the list of countries discussed with nefarious intent over the teacups of the Taliban, now is your chance to have a say.
I believe there are far more benefits for New Zealand to return to a reconstruction role. The real costs of wars are unfathomable on humanity and the environment. There is always need for rebuilding after the devastation of war.
review09@defence.govt.nz Submissions are due by 24 August.
Victoria Davis
Violence-free alternatives
Yes, there are plenty of violence-free alternatives to a smack and, however we voted, the referendum has given us a chance to talk about it. The Golden Bay Quaker group has given a copy of the booklet “Choose to hug, not to smack” from the Children’s Commissioner, to each early childhood centre in the Bay and to the Takaka Library. I have a few copies left so if you want one, just ask. Ph 525 9576.
Helen Kingston
Adult education opportunity
The Government may be cutting out adult education opportunities but St Andrews is offering a series of talks entitled “The Bible in its historical context”. This course will run in the Presbyterian Church for six weeks starting on Monday 31 August at 10am and repeated at 7.30pm. It is offered in response to requests from some of last year’s participants who wanted a course to compliment the one on Israel and Jordan. No prior knowledge is required. A koha towards costs would be appreciated.
If you are interested contact Bob Reid 525 9740 for more information or to indicate your attendance. This will help with preparing handout material.
Bob Reid
Road Upgrade - Bird’s Hill
We would like to congratulate the contractors and dedicated workmen who did an excellent job of clearing the rubbish and scrub on Bird’s Hill. The visibility is improved no end. Bicycles and horses now have a better chance of survival with the warning lights.
We live at the coal face and see the dangers.
Thank you Fulton Hogan.
Pauline and Barney Nicholls
As a daily road user of the above, I am impressed at what has been done. It gives the area a whole new conception of being wider, clearer and above all “SAFER”.
Well done Fulton Hogan on such an easy but inspiring project.
Gary Clough
Takaka Aerodrome development
My congratulations to Richard and Lisa, at Golden Bay Air. Their positive effort to upgrade the Takaka Aerodrome is well needed. As a tourism operator, recently paying the target tax for tourism promotion, may I suggest that the single biggest investment to increased tourism to Golden Bay would be the upgrade of this airstrip.
May I suggest that TDC contribute the total sum from this year’s target tax take for tourism towards this aerodrome upgrade. Now that would be good marketing.
We would see a 100% increase in the FIT (Free, Independent Traveller) tourist who wants to do and see as much as Golden Bay can offer, without the return trip by road over the Hill. Tourists do not like backtracking. One extra opportunity from this would be a decent car rental business established in the Bay!
Reg Turner
Life membership, GB Federated Farmers
My mother, Nancy Whitwell, recently received some back copies of The GB Weekly. I noted with interest the article on Ben Hurst (GBW 17/7) as he and my dad, David Athol Whitwell, were cousins.
My father too worked tirelessly behind the scenes in a number of areas. He did much for Federated Farmers and that is where my concern lies with the article. I quote …”In the 1990s he was awarded a life membership of the Golden Bay branch of Federated Farmers, the only member ever to be given this honour.“
This is incorrect. My father was awarded a life membership on 22 May 1986. It was presented to him by Phillip Langford and I have the photo of him receiving it. I feel this is important. My dad had strong opinions, yet he avoided the limelight and wouldn’t make a fuss, but I want the record to be straight on this. He was a forward thinker in his day.
Lynda Whitwell
Ed. Thank you, Lynda, for pointing out our mistake. Our information came from inside the Federated Farmers organisation and we had no reason to doubt it. Life memberships are great honours and must not be forgotten. We’re pleased to have been put right on this and we thank you for the information you sent about your father.
