Letters to editor
Psycho porn funk lounge band
I resent the tone of Mr Avenue’s letter (28 May)! There are probably several of us who are fully conversant with the intricacies of psycho porn funk lounge music, who have been keenly awaiting the arrival of this band for weeks.
Besides, I am not sure he or she was using their correct name. Love, peace, beads and sandals,
Seamus Reyning
Social values within the arts
Over the past eight months I’ve been back and forth to Nelson working on three high-profile outdoor art projects: Restoration of the iconic “Aotearoa” mural on Wakefield Quay; an amusing community-style mural at Victory Square; and the largest of this trinity, the “Urban Jungle” at the top of Trafalgar Street.
To the bewilderment of authorities, I had local adult volunteers join in with painting. Funny too, that all three jobs were initiated by people connected to the Bay.
My own experience was soured by next to no support from practitioners and managers from the Nelson arts scene. No invitation to functions, no outward greetings or social contact, despite efforts to go around and introduce myself to everyone. I felt ignored, kept at a distance, used.
Local musicians were the only ones who were good to me and the main thing that kept me sane during these months was having all the folks from Golden Bay who dropped by each job site and called out to let me know they were there. That was the highlight of each week. Big thanks.
As for the rest, in my opinion, there’s something wrong with Nelson’s core social values within the arts; almost rude, backward. That’s why we live here, right?
Chris Finlayson
Integrated community health centre
It appears the integrated health bus is on the roll. Still Bay residents find it hard to jump on because of the many financial unknowns in IMG’s business plan. Financial details for the GB Community Health Centre (GBCHC) are necessary for a costs/benefits analysis of IMG’s business plan. This would test whether the IMG’s integrated healthcare plan is appropriate and affordable.
Without a factual expenditure/income statement, Bay residents are left to doubt, speculate and hope she’ll be right. This compliant acceptance is exactly what we’ve been hearing. Please IMG, publish the full financial statement for the GBCHC. Also undertake a thorough community healthcare needs assessment. It’s not too late to change direction. Transparent disclosure of all the facts for community review is required.
The integrated healthcare bus is heading to a one-stop facility. But the GBCHC is poised to become prime real estate for privatisation of GB healthcare: a suspect outcome from the long-term $8,000,000+ excessively leveraged mortgage debt. Privatisation would never happen with GB’s present decentralised healthcare.
GB owns the Medical Centre. GB could also own JWRH and GB Hospital at a fraction of the GBCHC costs. Why risk a costly GBCHC boondoggle and lose hard-earned community assets?
Ro Piekarski for GB MORE,
Money to Revitalise the Economy
Proposal to buy land at Canaan Downs
Luminate Festival Trust invites the community of Golden Bay to a public meeting to discuss the options of buying shares in the 200 acres of land at Canaan Downs on Takaka Hill.
We are investing in this land for the long-term benefit of the environment, the local community and the wider public, ensuring that this iconic location remains available for events, retreats and other forms of public enjoyment.
Our vision includes managing the land in an environmentally sustainable manner, assisting regeneration of the native forest and establishing organic food-producing initiatives such as fruit and nut trees. We are looking for people aligned with our vision to support us by either making a tax-deductable donation to the Trust, or by purchasing shares in the land. Thursday 10 June, 6.30pm, Dangerous Kitchen.
Jules Harper and Rita Davies
Annual Country Music Awards
On Queen’s Birthday weekend, the Annual Country Music Awards are being held at the Pohara Hall, Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 June. Auditions start at 8am on Saturday and Sunday. Finals and presentations on Sunday. Very entertaining weekend available.
Heather Hovenden, secretary
Fundraiser for Joan Whiting Rest Home
Fundraising for the continuation of care of our rest home residents at Joan Whiting needs to persist until whatever is going to happen with the integration of healthcare services happens. We all know that we need to keep the rest home open so the elderly who wish to stay close to family, friends and their old homes in Golden Bay don’t have to go over the Hill to live. Consequently, we are holding a fun fundraising day and almost Mid-Winter Sponsored Swim at Collingwood at the end of June. Please watch for further information and contact The Joan Whiting or email Liza Eastman <liza@clear.net.nz> with any offerings, ideas or suggestions.
Thank you so much all those of you who have dropped money into the collection boxes at Fresh Choice.
Liza Eastman
Charity needed for charity auction
Harcourts Golden Bay is planning another of our highly successful charity auctions to be held in December. The last three have generated $30,000 (Takaka Fire Brigade, St Johns and the Bradley family) and we hope this one will be as successful.
This time we are asking the public to submit charities or organisations for our consideration. All you have to do is email <enquiries.goldenbay@harcourts.co.nz> or write to us at 65 Commercial Street, Takaka, telling us in less than 300 words how your charity or organisation would use the funds. Please have this into us no later than 9 July. We look forward to hearing from you.
Nikki Ryan on behalf of Harcourts Golden Bay
Donated bedding
Thank you to all the kind people who donated bedding to our store following our recent letter in the The GB Weekly. There was a huge response from our wonderful community, and as a consequence many of our families will be sleeping warmer this winter. Thank you again,
Emma Brazendale, community worker
1080: Good news for conservation
The Golden Bay branch of Forest and Bird have two copies of a DVD entitled 1080 - Good News for Conservation. We invite anyone who would like to be fully informed to borrow a copy to view at home. Apply to Jenny 525 7900 or Jo Anne 525 6031. The DOC office in Takaka also has a copy to loan out. This offer is made to help “give nature a voice”.
Jenny Treloar
