Letters 14 October
Dogs in Takaka’s CBD
As someone who was a councillor when the by-law prohibiting dogs in the CBD was brought in, it was because dogs were urinating on stands placed outside shops. It would be great if dogs could be stopped from lifting their legs when they can smell another dog, but as a former dog owner I know only too well that it is just normal doggy behaviour. Unfortunately even responsible owners cannot clean up after their dog has urinated like they can with doggy-doos.
Ann Lewis
As a business owner and dog owner in the Takaka CBD, I have no qualms about dogs being in town. I feel they are beneficial and part of our society. Kids love patting a dog, they even have dogs as therapy in rest homes. In most towns throughout NZ there are dog bowls of water outside cafés. As far as dog poos go, my dog would never poo on the street, most dogs like a private poo in the bushes. I, like others, also recall no survey being conducted in 2009.
If you want your lil’ buddy at your feet in town, we are holding a public meeting on Tuesday 18 October at 7pm, 2a Hiawatha Lane.
Pam Nelson and Saffy
I would like to express my astonishment as a tourist visiting your town of Takaka.
My wife, dog and myself were walking down mainstreet on a rainy morning perusing the shops and eateries with appreciation and anticipation, having selected places we wanted to shop and eat at. Imagine my surprise when a woman addressed me saying that my dog was not welcome, by law, on your main street. I had my dog on a leash with poo baggies in pocket and he was quiet and well-behaved. The woman was pleasant enough and identified herself as a dog ranger and that as she was off duty she would not fine me but that I certainly would face a fine if an on duty ranger were to “catch me.”
My dog is young and would not be settled if he were left in the car. We sat at a café, had our cake and coffee with our dog under the table, feeling like criminals and then left, having not shopped and went back to Motueka.
I understand that not everyone is exactly responsible when it comes to care of their dog in public but to adopt such a draconian law as to forbid all dogs is a bit much really.
Kevin Small
As a property/business owner in Takaka, I strongly support controlled dogs in the CBD. I was never consulted when council conducted their survey asking shopkeepers how they felt about dogs in town. I would have given it the big thumbs up! It is embarrassing having to tell out-of-towners that they are not allowed their dogs on the street. Why is our town the only one in the district with this law?
Philly Hall, MONZA Gallery
Weed control
Thank you to the hundreds of people who signed the petition requesting our council use either organic sprays or a hot water system for weed control in the Bay. Our petition has gone to the council for consideration.
Some members of our community are sensitive to herbicides. Soil and Health Magazine (March/April 1999) list the following symptoms for multiple chemical sensitivity.
Respiratory - wheezing, chest tightness, hoarseness, dry cough, nasal symptoms, sinus/throat discomfort.
Gastrointestinal - nausea, unusual thirst, bloating, diarhoea, irritable bowel, renal pain, reduced bladder control.
Nervous system - hyperactivity, attention deficit, behavioural changes in children, mood alterations, anxiety, panic, depression, irritability, neuropathy, feelings of unreality, dizziness, memory problems, slurred words, difficulty finding words, co-ordination difficulties, tremor or shaking, headache, unusual fatigue, odour senitivity, reduced cold/heat tolerance, noise sensitivity, changes in hearing and sight.
Other - muscle twitching/spasm, joint discomfort, transient urticaria, flushing skin, rapid pulse/palpitations, swollen glands, breast and ovarian cancer.
I can verify 26 of these symptoms as I have been sensitive for 19 years.
So on behalf of others in the community who are sensitive, I ask those who spray to please consider an organic spray that is healthier for the soil, the air and all creatures that share our environment.
Felicity Fitz-William
Fairholme
May I make a date correction to your interesting article on Fairholme regarding its erection which said 1869.
Thomas Baigent with his brother arrived in East Takaka in 1873 and established a large sawmilling business. In 1875 he married Alice Best of Appleby and they set up home on a rise overlooking the valley.
The old building at the back of the homestead was known as the back kitchen, a big room with a concrete floor, cupbards on the cool side where the milk was set in cans to be skimmed. A large walk-in pantry opened off it as well as a storeroom and laundry which consisted of a copper and tubs. The large brick oven was where, it is said, bread was baked for all the mill workers.
In January 1898 catastrophe almost struck when Fairholme could have been destroyed by fire in the middle of the night. It appeared to have been started under the stairs and rapidly ascended to the upper rooms, where occupants were sleeping and were resuced by jumping from the balcony. Two male occupants worked manfully and succeeded in mastering the fire. The hall was wainscoted with beautiful figured totara and rimu and was almost impossible to replace.
Beryl Rogers
By-election
My sincere thanks to everyone who encouraged, supported and most of all, voted for me in the TDC Golden Bay ward by-election. Although my bid was unsuccessful this time I appreciate the many messages of support and intend to keep involved in the community.
Sue Brown
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for me in the by-election. It is heart-warming to know that you have trusted me to be your representative. I will endeavour to do my very best to present your concerns to council and to work for the good of this district for which I am passionate. Thank you again.
Paul Sangster
Many thanks to everyone who voted in the by-election, and especially those of you who voted for me! I can’t represent you in Richmond but I will be continuing to work on your behalf as part of the community board team.
Mik Symmons
Election methods
The recent by-election for Golden Bay Ward councillor has highlighted again the need for us to improve our method of voting. The declared candidate was elected under First Past the Post (FPP) by only 20.86 per cent of the eligible voters. This means that 79.14 per cent of eligible voters did not vote for the elected candidate.
We need to adopt an electoral method which requires a majority vote of more than 50 per cent in order to be elected. Single Transferable Voting (STV) provides this.
There is currently an opportunity for a petition to be taken up under sections 29 and 30 of the Local Electoral Act 2001 for a poll on our voting method. The petition only requires 5 per cent of eligible voters to sign.
To have effect for the next triennial election the petition must be organised, completed and filed before 28 February 2012.
Joe Bell
The freedom for DOCX
In the “In Defence of .DOC” letter (GBW 7/10), Albie Burgers gives a prime example of Microsoft’s hegemony over ordinary computer users, locking them into an unnecessary “sell, change, up-sell” cycle. However alternatives do exist. Whether you own a PC, a Mac or a Linux machine, you can freely--both for no cost, and with no restriction--use “LibreOffice,” a replacement for the expensive Microsoft Office suite. LibreOffice (www.libreoffice.org/features) is compatible with .DOC and .DOCX file formats, as well as .XLS and .XLSX. For computer users stuck on dial-up internet, using the library’s internet should allow you or a friend to download what you need, and copy it onto a CD or USB stick. (Don’t worry -- LibreOffice encourages you to pass copies of their software on to other people.)
If you are still stuck, give me a shout on jon.pawley@onekaka.com and I’ll see if I can help.
Jon Pawley
Harbour ramp
The news of a security barrier arm and that lighting and cameras will be placed at the trailer boat pound is good to hear at last.
However, in saying this, I trust TDC will spend the income from this to better the conditions for all boat owners including those who pay for moorings on the east side of the harbour. Use this income to service a loan to tarseal and improve the area etc. This has present and future uses, pay for the improvements and do not allow TDC to milk this cash cow and take the income over the Hill for their benefits.
We all know how the boat club has used this income to clear its debts; now council do the same. This work should be done now.
Our council members must see that this new system works for Golden Bay, not Richmond.
Kerry Campbell
Swimming pool at the multi-purpose facility
Change into your togs and swim in a Golden Bay year-round heated pool, winter, summer, rain or shine. The multi-purpose facility planning is underway and a year-round heated pool is one of the key facilities included. Swimming year-round offers many activities for the following: lap swimming, swim lessons, swim club training, recreational, aqua exercise, non weight bearing exercise, water polo, synchronized swimming, rehabilitation/physiotherapy and more.
Pool technology has improved dramatically in the years since many of New Zealand’s community pools were built. Cost-saving solar heating, insulation and materials offer ongoing savings to the running costs of a pool which often is the main concern. With such a variety of pool activities to appeal to the different needs and desires of the wider community, it is a viable asset to the Golden Bay population. Discussions with the GB High School administration have concluded limited availability and use possibilities with their pool.
At this early planning stage we really need to know how many of you out there want and would use the pool. It is very important that we have an accurate count of interested people interested in using the pool facility. Contact Marguerite Dooley at 525 6112, 027 388 2279 or msdooley@clear.net.nz with your name and contact information. Spread the word and let’s make it happen!
Ann Jones and Marguerite Dooley,
Multipurpose Facility Pool Commitee
Santa Parade
The Takaka Santa Parade will be held on Saturday 17 December. There was an amazing turnout last year and we welcome “almost everybody” to enter a float or to join the parade in costume. Ads in The GB Weekly and posters will be appearing in November. More info? Ph 525 8876.
Dave Myall, GB Recreation coordinator
Inter-Faith Service for Week of Prayer for Peace
Everyone is welcome to the Inter-Faith service arranged by Golden Bay Quakers as part of the Week of Prayer for Peace to be held on Tuesday 18 October, 5.30pm, Takaka Presbyterian Church opposite Golden Bay High School. Parking is available inside the grounds. (Moira Tilling)
