Letters
Amalgamation plan
I have been a ratepayer and resident of Golden Bay for over 25 years and I am against amalgamation between Tasman and Nelson on the following grounds.
Amalgamation will do nothing to improve the Golden Bay and Tasman services. The only beneficiaries will be Nelson and the politicians interested in power. We in Golden Bay and Tasman Bay would have to pay more rates and have less say, as it is clearly shown in the amalgamation information (Amalgamation Update Newsletter 2).
I know that it is scientifically and practically proven that bigger administrative units means the loss of local autonomy, local knowledge and regional responsibility of the citizens, with many negative consequences
If your Government planner and developer ignore us again as at the last amalgamation 20 years ago, we are forced to start a GB independent movement to create our own regional government, to which we are entitled because of our unique geographical situation.
Nelson has a conflict of interest and is not able to serve the needs of the development of Golden Bay.
Already Richmond had this conflict of interest and this would become bigger.
There other regions in NZ that need their own regional council and we would put in, together with them, a petition and fight for our democratic rights.
Black Bear (Ursus)
Donations for integrated family health centre
Did I just read in The GB Weekly that the IMG lists one of three key sources of funding for the new hospital facilities as “local donations” and that the money needed will come partly from “local people”? But I was at the public meeting in April when John Peters stood up and declared that there would be no call for money from the local community. He categorically stated that there would be no local fundraising. And if you don’t believe me go to http://www.gbhealth.org.nz/opendayfeedbackforms where it states “IMG has no intention to raise funds in the community through sausage sizzles and the like”. I would have thought the term “the like” covered “local donations”. Backtracking on promises already? What next?
Sally Gaffney
Response from Carolyn McLellan, Interim Management Group local fundraising committee: Sally Gaffney has quoted John Peters correctly but perhaps misunderstood the emphasis; we have always said we do not intend to fund this project “through sausage sizzles and the like”. This remains true. We are committed to not repeating the difficult position Joan Whiting found itself in where it could not generate enough revenue to cover its costs and needed to resort to ongoing community efforts just to keep the doors open.
On an ongoing basis, the integrated family health centre will receive enough rent from Nelson Bays Primary Health to pay a mortgage of $3.5 million and maintain the new facility to a high standard.
However, we have also repeatedly said that some people in the community have indicated their desire to be involved in this project and to contribute. Some people want to donate their time to help build the facility, or are donating other specialist skills, and some want to make a direct financial contribution to ensure this is a community asset owned by and for Golden Bay people, to replace the rest home and medical centre that have served us so well for so long.
We could build an integrated family health centre without any local community contributions. If we are able to raise more funds, as the community willingly did for the medical centre trust, then we can add that much more to the size and comfort, for which we’d otherwise need to take on more debt, which in turn means less to reinvest in Golden Bay’s health needs on an ongoing basis.
If the community trust that will own the centre builds a strong financial base and keeps the debt levels to a manageable level, we can pay off the mortgage more quickly and we will be in a strong financial position from the outset.
NZ Gardener of the Year Award
I would like to thank everybody for their kindness, support and vote. I didn’t get the National Gardener of the Year but am pleased to have had enough fuss with the regional. Thank you again.
Robyn Jones
Village Market
We are disappointed to hear that TDC is not supportive of our village market in our library car park. Why? This lack of support could endanger our market’s viability.
As business owners nearby we appreciate the atmosphere and people it brings to town on Saturdays. Locals and tourists mix together and create a wonderful, colourful and vibrant feel. Markets throughout New Zealand are thriving, and Takaka’s is too. Nelson and Motueka also have successful markets operating at weekends in public car parks. Markets are a wonderful way for people within our communities to gather and socialise. With busy lives it may be the only time many people get to do this.
We urge Golden Bay to support our great market and help it grow. There is a petition in support of the current market venue circulating (available to sign in the Organic Store). Let TDC know how you support it too. Phone, email or write them a letter.
Tania Carey and Mark Bonar
Golden Bay Organics and Delight
Response from Tasman District Council: The Tasman District Council is currently issuing a week-by-week licence to the Takaka Market, one of two that operate within very close proximity to each on Saturday mornings. This action [a temporary rather than a long-term licence] is in response to a number of complaints and comments received about its location, not the concept or initiative.
The council is also considering the support the market has received, which is why it has been issued a week-by-week licence as opposed to being shut down. The temporary licence is in place to allow council to review the situation with both the supporters and detractors to identify a workable compromise that promotes the benefits of the market whilst limiting its impact on other people within the township.
It is envisaged, as recommended today by the community board, that the current licence arrangement will remain in force until April 2011. During this time the Golden Bay Community Board has agreed to monitor the market, after which they will prepare a report for the council to consider the future location of the market.
Noise and Village Market
It is not up to any individual to say that being subjected to excessively loud, irritating, repeated noise by one’s neighbour is OK. There are laws to protect us from those too selfish to consider the wellbeing of their neighbours, but unfortunately we do not enjoy that protection because of a few bullies on our council that have blocked the legal process. My mailbox was pulled out in the dark of night and dumped in the ditch after I voiced my opinion about insensitive motocross users. Others have been victims of vandalism for speaking against the excessive motocross noise. TDC is in breach of its responsibilities to our community, causing stress, animosity, fear and unnecessary suffering by refusing to enforce noise regulations.
It is so unfair to label those fighting for their rights to a peaceful existence in their own homes as complainers.
TDC is busy writing to our Village Market organisers, refusing to reissue their license, no explanation. Here comes another unnecessary fight. The Village Market was a result of a huge community forum that clearly showed our community wanted such a market, which has been very successful and also generates an income for TDC who demands a third of the takings.
Victoria Davis
Ed. Correspondence on the motocross noise issue is closed.
Pohara Fest
I would just like to pass on my thanks to Tash and Gareth for all of the hard work they put into organising the Pohara Fest. Even though numbers were down on last year, it proved to be another fabulous night out. The band Booby Trap was excellent and had everyone dancing and singing their hearts out all night.
Jeanine Taylor
TDC’s code of conduct
Tasman District Council has its own code of conduct that provides a formal basis for its activities and actions.
One of the most important sections has been Appendix One, which sets out the guidelines for policy quality of advice provided by management to council. This appendix lists requirements for reports and other advice to meet accepted quality standards. The standards for advice include: clear purpose; logical flow; accuracy; time lines; assessed options; reflection of consultation; practical implementation; clear, error-free presentation; and identification of costs and savings.
During the 2 September 2010 full council meeting it was fairly pointed out that a staff report on the agenda (RCN10-09-03) did not meet these criteria. The council has “fixed” this. The Guidelines for Policy Quality appendix has been removed from the 2010 version of the code.
The slide towards the lowest common denominator continues. Sadly, we all need to be more wary than ever of TDC papers and processes.
Joe Bell
Entertainer of the Year Awards
The tension was rising rapidly as I stepped into the Kings-gate Hotel for our first rehearsal. All the competitors had 20 minutes to get their on-stage performances to perfection for the big shows.
I had two concerts to perform in. The Convention Centre was the main theatre. The first concert was in the afternoon at 1pm. I sang One Solitary Tear. The second concert was at 7pm; I sang a song that I had written, titled I Will Worship You. Both songs went very well and I was extremely pleased with myself. I gave them a run for their money but the competition was tough.
I was representing the South Island at The Entertainer of the Year Awards, which is held annually in Rotorua. To enter you must have already won an overall award at a Country Music Competition. I achieved this by winning Overall Entertainer in the Nelson Sun City Country Music Awards. I am very grateful for all the people and organisations who sponsored me. It was a privilege to represent not only Golden Bay but the whole of the South Island. It really shows me that even being a small town girl I can still achieve great things.
Nikita Buys
Old library site
A new premises would be more useful than a playground, as there aren’t many of them in the CBD. There’s play equipment and a skate park next door and the Village Green if that isn’t enough.
Saturday Market: for the brief time it is held, the disruption to parking is minimal (12 to 16 Saturday mornings), and there’s always the larger area behind the dairy and Waitapu’s old building. The market is well established and well patronised.
Zane Perry
Mensa testing in Golden Bay
It has been said that Golden Bay has more PhDs per square kilometre than anywhere else in New Zealand. We are not dim! So how is it that Mensa (the high-IQ society) only has two members in the Bay? Perhaps there is an over-abundance of modesty...? Pity.
On Sunday 28 November, I shall be holding testing sessions from 10am till 12noon at the Golden Bay Community Centre. The cost is - gasp - $45 per adult, or $30 for students and beneficiaries. This fee will be used as the applicant’s first year’s membership subscription should they be successful in scoring at the required level. Please note, these tests are not for children - they should be tested by a registered psychologist.
Contrary to the belief of some, Mensa is not a society for intellectual showoffs, but a way for intellectually gifted people to celebrate their ability amongst their fellow members, and also to put something back into society by research on the nature of intelligence and the human brain.
Start drinking your gingko tea now! For more details, phone 525 8706 or visit mensa.org.nz
Yonan Calermbo
Cereal drunk drivers signage
I sympathise with the writer (GBW 29/10) concerned over “cereal drunk drivers” signage on the highway through Puramahoi. I have lost three loved ones in separate incidents due to our insidious booze culture getting behind the wheel. So I get it and your comments were timely.
The sign removal was overdue as a temporary fixture during the September Word Fest. The idea was a play on words and perspective, presenting a sanitised view of a grotesque problem, much like authorised PR campaigns that are, in my opinion, often ineffectual and normalise an undercurrent psyche of abuse and carnage.
Then again, our re-education has to start somewhere and won’t please everyone. Ironic too, that same weekend down South, a driver three times over the limit crashed into two women parked on the roadside at 11am. Would it be different had he stopped for a hearty breakfast?
I wish we could learn basic clues to tackle emotional stress successfully, rather than by following substance-fuelled escape routes. Boundaries can be as unpopular as brewing non-alcoholic beer. Now that would be a switch! Uncommon-sense? Turn it all around and become world leaders in non-alcoholic brews! Think creatively! That’s where Kiwi ingenuity and art live.
Chris Finlayson
Lucky for some
Guy Fawkes night 5 November, Selwyn Street:
Lucky you had access to such a beautiful beach...
Lucky you had friends to share Bourbon & Colas with...
Lucky you had such a big selection of fireworks...
Lucky you had a fire permit (yeah right) to have a bonfire...
Not so lucky for the beach walkers next morning who had to clean up your empty bottles, a phone book, bags of firewood stubs and bases, paper rubbish, and put the fire out, so they too could have a beautiful beach.
Saturday night 6 November, Selwyn Street:
More of the same.
Anne-Marie Gilligan
Volunteers needed
The Golden Bay i-SITE Visitor Centre is searching for local experts to join our team as volunteers. Volunteers play an important role in the operation of our i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, providing general information to visitors in Golden Bay, assisting them in finding things to see and do during their stay here. Computer skills are not required; however a friendly personality and a passion for Golden Bay are. If you are enthusiastic about the little gems that Golden Bay has to offer to visitors, are good with people and passionate about making someone’s stay in Golden Bay the best it can be, we would like to hear from you. Please contact me at the Golden Bay i-SITE on 525 9136 for more information.
Jessie Horton
Cobb Valley houses
Due to some cancellations, the Cobb Valley houses, managed by the Golden Bay Community Workers, are available over Christmas and much of the summer holidays. The houses make a fantastic base for exploring the Cobb Valley, and cost $10 a night per adult, and $5 per school-aged child. Each house sleeps 12. If you would like to find out more about staying in this wonderful location, please contact the Community Workers on 525 9728.
Emma Brazendale, community worker
Breast Cancer Awareness Exhibition
Thank you all you amazing ladies who had your casts on display in the White Room at Lollokiki’s. They are now in need of collection from the Ray White office. Your contributions were admired and appreciated.
Jennie Morris
The Golden Bay Rural Women would like to thank the ladies at the library, Collingwood Post Shop, Billy Kerrisk at Ray White and anyone else who sold our casts for our breast cancer awareness campaign. Well done to the ladies who took part and congratulations to the lady and child done the same, which was judged the best - if you would like to contact me on 524 8241 I have a surprise for you. Thanks to all.
Joy Warren, Provincial President GB Rural Women
eDay
A huge thank you to the three vehicles (and their drivers) who enabled so many locals to add their old computer components to the National eDay recycling effort in the weekend. We filled two big vans and a high-sided trailer in just two hours. Many people gave a koha to help thank the volunteer drivers and council had some petrol vouchers too for the drivers. Also I have to thank The GB Weekly itself – I wasn’t expecting a front page spread – so thanks for helping spread the word – it worked.
Claire Webster
Top of the South MX
Congratulations to all our local riders. As a Nana of one of them I enjoyed two good days, good weather, good venue. Keep riding.
Beverley Thomason
