Letters 28 October
Tarakohe barrier arm
In an effort to gain more revenue, TDC has decided to install a pay to enter barrier arm at Tarakohe for ALL vehicles whether using the launch ramp or not, penalising those of us who like to chuck a line in and feed the fish.
If I was a boatie I would have no objections to paying ramp fees as long as the revenues went back into enhancing the facilities. But as a recreational user I object to paying to use the area gifted to the community upon the demise of the cement company. Surely there must be a way to separate the launch facility from the rest of the area and still collect ramp fees.
What difference to the penguins does it make if I pay or not? Do they have to pay to launch? Does one have to pay twice if forced by lack of space to park back down by the clubrooms? Will a barrier arm eventually be installed at Tata or will that ramp be eventually ripped out to increase takings at Tarakohe? Why not put a barrier at Waitapu Bridge and capture cash from whitebaiters boating down to their possies? Hell, why not whack one on top of the Hill and capture dosh from everyone who ventures over to Golden Bay?
Instead, why not concentrate on improving the gains from the commercial arm of Port Tarakohe?
It is time you local bureaucrats took the interests of those who elected you to heart and questioned such proposals instead of letting Richmond steamroll you. [abridged]
Jeff Woodward
Community Event - Back to the Eighties
Calling all musicians and everyone who loved the eighties! You’re warmly invited to the Eighties Sing Along at the Takaka Community Centre on Saturday 29 October. Come make some music and sing along to the classic hits of the eighties. Lyrics and chords provided on a big screen. Do the big hair thing; revel in your shoulder pads. Bring the family. Starts at 5.30 pm. Potluck dinner. Gold coin donation. Any profits to the Golden Bay Community Organic Gardens.
Charlotte Squire
Weed control
Wednesday 19 October, 9.15am, school holidays, a sunny warm day. I see a woman with a big canister on her bag, spraying every tiny little weed on the pathway up and down the CBD with a big splash of ?? Weed control?
As she’s passing the front of our rented business property I asked her not to spray and she’s rushing off to the next building.
Is it the same woman my husband asked not to spray a few hours before the Mardi Gras Parade in February while she was spraying the footpath? The same afternoon many kids were standing and sitting on the footpath. Barefoot.
The footpath in front of the Artisans shop is wet from spraying when a boy comes out of the shop. Barefoot.
I’m not worried about a bit of dog urine on the footpath. I’m worried about poison.
Some information about Round Up:
http://www.rodale.com/roundup-dangers
http://www.for-wild.org/download/roundupmyth/roundupmyth.html
http://www.pananz.net/roundup-and-birth-defects.php
http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/sign/dr_hubers_warning/?akid=377.325595.k5RBWy&rd=1&t=16
Ute Kleine
Four paws good, four wheels bad
What a shame it is, have we got it right
When we ban our best friend and keep them from sight.
A ban on smoking, liquor, now that I understand
For the good of all, whatever the brand.
We welcome the car, a noisy, pollution, smelly machine
That maimes and kills yet can boost our self-esteem.
Trucks with trailers, campervans and horsefloats all travel the road
We dodge them with skill with our prams and shopping load
I would rather have the vehicle banned from the CBD
And have my very best friend with me.
I could sit at the caf’ with a dog at my side
Breath sweet smelling air without carbon monoxide.
Shopping would be so pleasant in a mall like atmosphere
Enabling all to cross the street without any fear.
I dream that traffic is banned from morning till night
And I need only watch out for seagulls as they take flight.
So to our councillors, the powers that be
Health, safety and frienship are important, I hope you agree.
I dream a dream.
Felicity Fitz-William
Dog by-law
The dog by-law doesn’t need to be an emotive issue. Yes, dog owners love their dogs, and when you think about it, that’s a good thing. It means we take good care of them and they contribute positively to our community.
I live in town and would like to walk my dog to run errands, rather than leave her at home (which as a dog owner is just plain wrong) or even worse, drive my car. I would at least like to see the no-dog zone pulled back to the chemist so I can legally walk around town, via Reilly Street. Another good option would be that we fall into line with other councils and are able to at least walk our dogs (who believe it or not don’t actually pee at every opportunity) through town on a leash. A great option would be that we’re allowed dogs in town, on a leash.
Incidentally, I’ve met at least 10 CBD business owners who own dogs and would prefer to be legally allowed dogs in town. If there’s a community mandate for a law change, it needs to happen. If there’s not, that’s totally fine with me, I just needed to give it a go.
Charlotte Squire
A survey is being conducted about the current dog by-law banning dogs from the centre of town. If you would like to express your opinions about this, you can pop into these shops and fill out a survey. Brief Affair, Schnapp Dragon, MONZA, The Organic Shop, Kuketa Designs, The Dangerous Kitchen.
Pam Wood
Shocking example of how not to drive
They say European cars are very quiet inside. Maybe so, but from the outside they are not when being driven at excess speeds. An example of this was witnessed by a number of people last Friday night in front of Pohara Sands.
The vehicle was heard taking off from the store, over recent extensive road repairs that had only been metalled that evening.
Had any of the children, who were present playing on the lawn, ventured to the road there was no way it could have stopped.
The driver was immediately recognised and was the topic of conversation. It was even mentioned that this was not the first example of these skills shown here before.
To this well-known Nelson businessman: these driving methods are not acceptable here in Golden Bay or elsewhere for that matter. You should change your distinctive European SUV for a run-of-the-mill Holden, Ford or Morris Minor to make yourself less conspicuous. Should you read this or hear about it, you will know who you are.
Please keep your speed down in future and drive to the road conditions.
Kerry Campbell
Tap variety!
Have you noticed the excitement in the tap dancing world? There is not one but two concerts coming up soon! On 28 and 29 October the junior tappers strut their stuff. On 18 and 19 November the adult tappers are part of a variety concert. Hope you enjoy both concerts.
Graeme Wells
Summit Rescue Helicopter Raffle
The Summit Rescue Helicopter Raffle closes on Mon 31 Oct. Tickets are limited to 500. They cost $10 and are at Takaka i-Site, Feel Good Food, Pohara Store, Farewell Spit Tours, Collingwood Post and Gifts and Collingwood Tavern. The prize is an awesome $3000 Golden Bay attractions package of accommodation, meals, activities and gifts.
A Gnome Away From Home and GB Promotions
