Letters
Pakawau coastal erosion
Experts don’t always agree; they’re not always right; learning evolves; research continues.
The concerns of those with homes close to the beach need to be taken seriously and addressed. However, TDC public reserve extends along the foreshore for most of the Pakawau settlement, (the old Queen’s Chain), so coastal protection within this area is a matter of public interest and concern also.
Landon Carter, appealing against TDC Coast Care conditions, is seeking permission to build a 230-metre long rock revetment on the esplanade strip for the protection of his proposed 20-apartment complex. He acknowledges that public access would be restricted by 1 to 2 hours per day (normal tides? big tides? before or after sea-level rise?)
Coastlines and rivers are not static entities. Changes in weather/climate and anticipated rises in sea levels cannot be accurately predicted. Taking these and other factors into account, those intending to build on or develop their beachfront properties have options for precautionary measures as recommended by Coastal Planning Policy, such as buildings of relocatable design and materials, and/or greater setbacks from the coast, rather than designs (too close? concrete on concrete?) requiring expensive, hard engineering protection measures which could have adverse environmental effects and impact on everyone’s enjoyment of the beach.
Jill Newport
The part of the Pakawau coastline in this discussion is the sandy beach coastline from Tomotea Point South to the “Old Pines”.
The old rock wall at the motor camp and neighbouring properties to the north, as well as the concrete boat ramp south of the camp, have been identified by experts as being detrimental to a sandy beach.
The rocks and the concrete boat ramp in particular affect the neighbouring properties with erosion problems, bit by bit forcing the owners into “protection mode” with rocks, ugly tyre structures, etc, until the day will come when the sandy beach will be gone forever, the structures becoming the coastline.
Do we want that?
We think that the best option is to work with nature. Let’s live and learn and look at the bigger picture here. Then we can all be winners together with a chance to still have a beautiful beach in the future for everybody to enjoy.
Marion and Peter Corby
Pickled onions
The Golden Bay Lions Club is looking into “cooking” up another batch of pickled onions as a fundraiser. What would be very good for us is any donation of jars - preferably of the medium-sized Dolmio, or the bigger-sized jam (900g) jar and larger, with screw-top lids. Drop off in Takaka is at Barry and Shirley Bayliss’s place, 27 Waitapu Road. Any queries, please ring me on 525 9409.
Pam Gardiner
Feedback wanted on wastewater plant
More delegation means more consultation and this time it’s wastewater. Many residents have signed a petition about the siting of the proposed extension to the Takaka sewerage ponds. You believe it is in the wrong place and that the odours from the ponds have permeated your homes. None of us would like that either.
A working party, including the mayor, Cr Norris, Manawhenua, local councillors, the community board and engineering staff will provide a recommendation regarding the preferred option for a Takaka wastewater treatment plant.
We know that we have people in Golden Bay with a wealth of knowledge and experience. We want your feedback.
Is the existing location appropriate?
What are the costs and benefits of the existing site versus relocation? (Cost will be a consideration).
Is there a suitable alternate site?
Should council consider a different treatment process, eg mechanical?
Who will pay for the treatment process?
What is the visual impact of the existing site?
What are the vegetation/screening options for the current site?
What is the impact (if any) of the treated effluent discharge to ground on private bores?
Let us know your views by 28 February 2011 either by www.tasman.govt.nz/link/takaka-wastewater or write to me c/- Tasman District Council, PO Box 74, Takaka 7142.
Carolyn McLellan, Chair Golden Bay Community Board
Aorere floods
Now that some time has passed since the floods on 28 December and the physical clean up is well underway, there may be other emotional, financial, health and lifestyle issues to deal with. Community Workers and Heartlands are available to listen and help with a way forward. All you have to do is phone or call in.
Sheryl Nalder, manager,
Community Workers, 525 9728
Wendy Earle, Heartlands, 525 6151
New mural
Art is freedom of expression.
Grant Knowles, The Thane of Goldinia
Subsidised reticulated drinking water supply
You’ve asked, and we’ve asked that the Golden Bay Community Board be delegated responsibilities. Well, at last it’s happening, and it’s really fantastic to be taking responsibility for various tasks and getting on with addressing issues. We love the challenges and are taking the responsibilities seriously.
The latest delegation we have accepted is to survey residents in the greater Takaka area, from Rototai in the east and Park Avenue in the south, regarding a subsidised reticulated drinking water supply. We have agonised over the content of the letter so we hope it’s okay, but we do want you to know it’s coming, and answer the questions (only two or possibly three) ASAP and send it back in the reply-paid envelope.
The drinking water subsidy scheme was reintroduced by the Government just before Christmas and it closes on 30 March, so communities around New Zealand will be competing for the pool of $10million. Council will do the application if the ratepayers in the area say yes. If no, that’s it, council will not proceed. It is entirely the choice of Takaka people what they want; a water scheme will not be imposed upon them.
The community board is aware this issue is controversial but we do believe it is important that those in the area have their say.
Carolyn McLellan,
Chair, Golden Bay Community Board
Does anyone in the Takaka UDA (Urban Drainage Area) want a TDC-owned reticulated drinking water scheme? If you do, here is something you should know. On 18 November 2010 the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill was passed into law. Clause 31 and 32 of the new law:
- allows councils to enter into contracts with private companies to run water services for up to 35 years (the previous limit was 15 years)
- allows private companies to own and control water infrastructure for the duration of these contracts (the previous legislation required councils to retain ownership and control of water)
Other changes to the law mean that councils won’t have to consult with the public if they decide to pass over control and ownership of water.
The reality is, central government is offering us a subsidy so that we can build a water scheme that will force everyone in the Takaka UDA to pay approximately $350 up front and then $165 per year whether we use it or not. In addition TDC can sell the scheme to a private company at any time without consulting us.
Bjarne Vandeskog
Noting that this topic is back on the agenda, I ask:
1. Do both the Golden Bay Community Board and the Tasman District Council have any mandate at all to consider the introduction of water reticulation for Takaka? Unless sanitary engineers and fluoride manufacturers are making a case.
2. Is there any evidence that the population needs any such reticulation after decades when residents have taken drinking water either direct from the sky or through the earth?
I could understand a case for such reticulation should there be any peer-reviewed medical evidence that our water has been, or is, harmful. In asking these specific questions, I accept the “public good” argument for the supply of water to fight fires in Takaka, and for an adequate sewage system. But now water reticulation for all? Or has council “a cunning plan” to sell off such a supply, once installed, to some private company?
John Lee
Plea for the Ligar Bay baches
I have visited your beautiful South Island twice in the last five years and I have fallen in love with Golden Bay and the Takaka region.
Apart from the great natural landscape of Golden Bay, there is a unique sense in Takaka and its surrounds of a people who have retained what matters to them.
The township of Takaka reflects a casual but caring atmosphere where a foreigner, even an Australian, is allowed to share the peace. The baches in Ligar Bay reflect that same peace and timeliness. They have provided low-cost homes and escapes for your South Island community for many years. They are not great pieces of architecture but they are part of your heritage, and they and their occupants sit in harmony with the beach and other visitors to that beach.
Do you want the Australian situation where the money classes have dominated beach townships similar to your own and used their numbers on Shire Councils to rezone or destroy a community’s lifestyle and replace it with Mac Mansions that intrude, dominate and sterilise a community’s wellbeing and sense of kindness, place and space?
Baches and their dwellers have a right to the life they live in a New Zealand community that cares.
Ross Bingham
I endorse Robin Palmer and Paul Winspear’s letter (GBW 11/2) of support for the Ligar Bay baches.
Although living in Christchurch, the community spirit and egalitarian nature of Golden Bay means that I visit it at least three times a year, and hope one day to make it home.
One of the things I love about the place is that by and large, it seems to be populated by “like-minded” people, whose sense of community and lack of “dog eat dog” mentality means that every Kiwi can go there and relax and enjoy the surroundings. It harks back to an better way of Kiwi life, where the contributions you make to your community often are not financially recognised, but you make them anyway. The Brays of the Ligar Bay baches have been an example. For 21 years, I’ve seen them serve their community and give back to Ligar Bay, more than they took.
Now the council has decided to evict them because locals are worried that their real estate prices may be affected, or that their house views may be slightly impinged? This action does not reflect the Golden Bay that I love and treasure
Elizabeth Smyth
The M.A.D. Skool of Art
Been asked what the M.A.D. Skool of Art is? It’s simply a Healing and Educational Centre. Centre being core of the Heart. M.A.D. stands for Master of Artistic Dementia. You may laugh... fine, that’s a great medicine! I’ve always instructed my students - the moment they start concentrating, to put down their brushes. We often think and talk too much, preventing us from listening within to the “sounds of silence” where the miraculous magic unfolds.
It’s a Trusting Foundation for Artists. We are all born artist to co-create, interrupted through enculturation. Many become con artists rather than developing true artistry.
In total contrast to all the talk about a GB “Integrated” Healthy Centre offering only allopathic treatments and practises, the Skool is (W)holistic, incorporating various Master Healers within the Bay. It’s not a business or commercial operation; time and money is irrelevant to it. Sure we all want to be healed. The Skool only accepts those who surrender in willingness and commitment to “HEAL THY SELF!”
The focus is on balance and harmony that restores peace and love. The Skool’s motto is LOVE EXPRESS! It’s the key to life. Imagine all doing that.
The Skool’s birthing just occurred on the 17th, coinciding with my 58th. Dan is creating the website for the world.
Love and peace. NgAngA
Busking
I would like to thank the people of Golden Bay, and visitors too, for supporting me so generously when I was busking. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I am now off to Otago University. Your donations will help me with my study expenses.
Melissa Wells
All quiet at Fresh Choice
I wonder how many have seen the new notices at the supermarket, and realised how quiet it is as you enter and leave? Some might prefer it this way, but many have enjoyed the various buskers, raffle ticket sellers, and others near the entrance. For at least some of the buskers, this has been an important income source for them.
The notice reads: No busking please. Health and safety issues. Please do not congregate in this area. Keep clear at all times. Clearly the table with raffle ticket sellers seen at various times of the year, and the Santa float before Christmas will in future be absent for the same reasons. Isn’t this an unnecessarily strict interpretation of Health and Safety’s “rules” of unrestricted exit?
Graeme Wells
Reply from Fresh Choice Takaka management: We would like to clarify that the notice in question applies to busking only. Raffle-ticket stalls and any community fundraising held at Fresh Choice Takaka will continue and this we encourage. Our policy is for customers to book a date to avoid more than one fundraiser on any one day.
To maintain the continuation of busking, buskers were asked to seek permission before they started performing to avoid too many on the one day. Our original notice requested no more than three together to keep the noise at a respectable level. Unfortunately this was not happening, and due to the busy period it has been difficult to police. This has resulted in an overload of buskers causing overcrowding, particularly on the steps, making it very difficult for customers to enter and exit the shop safely. This we feel is a health and safety issue.
On a number of occasions when we have requested buskers to keep the steps clear at all times, the response has been rude and our request has been totally ignored. Unfortunately, these few actions have spoilt it for the many.
We apologise if our notice has confused or upset our customers. Fundraising will continue as normal and we will review our policy for busking at Fresh Choice at a later date.
Golden Bay Museum exhibition
The Golden Bay Museum is planning an upcoming exhibition about the history of floods in the Golden Bay area and the repercussions floodwaters have had on the Bay.
We would appreciate the community’s help with this exhibition by the loan of objects to the museum that may have been damaged by flood waters, photos of flood damage, or anything else that would be relevant to this subject. Or you may have a story to tell.
Please contact the museum staff or leave a message on 525 6268. Thank you for your support.
Karen Johnson, Golden Bay Museum
The town crier
Takaka isn’t the only residential area where the gay cacophony of cockerel calls sound an early morning welcome in the valleys (GBW 11/2).
I shudder each time a rooster is offered in the “koha” section, but honestly believe those who take on these birds may be uninformed of council rulings pertaining thereto. Perhaps we need regular reminders of terms and conditions for this bothersome situation.
And, yes, CO, come and stay for a night!!
Maureen Scotland
Cabaret in the Cave - parking
We welcome you to join us this Sunday at the Aorere Goldfields from 2pm for this free community event. Devil’s Boots Road has been recently graded, allowing 2WD vehicles access to the carpark. Please go through the gate at the end of the road and continue to be directed where to park. There is only limited parking at the Devil’s Boots themselves, however, for those who require it, transport is offered from there at 2pm. Come dressed in pioneer theme and get into the pioneer spirit. See you there!
Hera Livingston, event co-ordinator
Thank you to the Rural Service Centre
Amidst the ongoing controversy regarding the respective attitudes of businesspeople in Golden Bay, I wish to publicly acknowledge my appreciation of the honesty and efficiency of the staff at the Rural Service Centre (RSC). The details of my accidental overpayment and subsequent refund are too complicated to be given here, and it is sufficient to say that the pleasant outcome was due to the actions of honest and capable RSC staff members. In addition, the always-friendly and helpful attitudes of the RSC staff make the business a pleasure to deal with.
For the record, I am NOT related to any of the staff members!
RA Kenny
