Letters
A cautionary tale
Many years ago we bought a sparkling new barbecue, and not long thereafter loaded it on the back of the ute and drove down the road to lend it to friends. Arrived...no lid. A kind Solly’s driver picked up the lid and returned it to us, but not before it had been run over fairly comprehensively.
On Sunday we bought a second-hand barbecue from a garage sale to replace the aforementioned one (now old, rusted and decrepit). Loaded the (relatively) new sparkly one onto the ute and drove home. Arrived...you can guess.
Thus, we now know that if you carry a barbecue on the back of a ute, chances are 100 to 0 that the lid will blow off. In admitting our repeated stupidity in this matter, we’d like to save others the aggravation of losing bits of barbecue in transit, and also prevent possible accidents due to flying barbecue.
Hennie Permberton and Brian Leetch
PS: If anyone happens to have picked up a barbecue lid between Motupipi and Kotinga last Sunday between 12 and 1pm, give us a call.
To community users of the high school pool
Keyholders will already be aware that there have been problems with leaks in the pool heating-pipe circuit this season that have prevented the school from heating the pool at the beginning and end of season in the normal way.
The pool heating circuit was installed quite a few years ago as an “add on” to existing central heating pipes. One of the problems with that installation was that there was never an easy way of isolating the pool heating circuit from other parts of the school’s central heating. As a result, the leaks found in the pool circuit also have a bearing on the ability of the school to heat other buildings on the site. For this reason the school engaged contractors to cut the existing pool circuit and install valves so that a number of classrooms and other buildings could continue to be heated during the winter term. This was done with the ultimate intention of repairing the pool heating circuit, but only when we were confident that we had, first and foremost, the ability to heat these classrooms.
As work has progressed further problems in the heating circuit have been identified and these have changed the focus of what the school intends to do next.
The school does not now intend to reinstate the heating circuit to the swimming pool. The principal reasons are:
1. There is now additional and unforeseen work (with its associated costs) to carry out in order to return just the central heating circuits to full working order.
2. The money that the school receives from the Ministry of Education for emergency projects such as this is fixed, and other planned spending will have to be reduced as a result.
3. Key projects to improve student learning environments are already planned for this year. Even if the money was available from the Ministry, any repairs to the swimming pool heating circuit would require the further postponement of planned projects.
4. The benefits to the school of reinstating the pool heating are minimal compared to the high cost involved. If we were permitted by the Ministry to go ahead with such a project (and there is no guarantee of that) we would then be in a position of supporting swimming in the community from funds which, in reality, should be spent on improving learning environments.
Golden Bay High School Board of Trustees
Orthodox religion
Those of us who listened to Morning Report on Wednesday 23 March will have heard of the American mathematician who has worked out the interesting fact that New Zealand will, in the next 30 to 50 years, become almost free of orthodox religions. His reasoning was based on our census results, which over the past 20 years show decreasing membership of the established churches, and increasing answers stating “other spiritual“.
Golden Bay has an abundance of alternative beliefs and spiritual movements that tap into the “Universal Energy” and the “Universal Law of Attraction”. I find the unique energy of harmony with nature and mankind is focused here, more than elsewhere in New Zealand.
When the “Spirit of the Universe” is hindered by the roadblocks of orthodox religion; where tradition, dogma, fundamentalism and institutionalism, as found in Europe, America, Middle East, China and Asia, closes out the opportunity of opening one’s mind to this “Universal Energy”, dogma prevails. One can see how the many races living in New Zealand may well encourage the demise of the orthodox churches.
The freedom of thought and enlightenment in the many fields of alternative beliefs makes living here an attraction to teachers of the spiritual movements and choices, enabling us to seek and find our inner peace. “In The Pursuit of Happiness“, Golden Bay is in the front running of this demise of the churches.
Reg Turner
Recreation, Leisure and Cultural Centre
Maybe a way to pay for the debt financing of the proposed recreation, leisure and cultural centre would be to levy a toll on all users as they enter the premises. That way the special interest groups who are always behind these extravagant projects could carry the can and the majority of the population, who will probably never even see the centre and who are worried about rising taxes and diminishing resources, can be spared one more unnecessary demand in these endgame times.
Peter Bridgwater
Submitted articles
I wonder if The GB Weekly would consider having a similar policy on “submitted” articles as it does to names being supplied on letters? As a reader, I’m often curious as to who the submitter is of a particular article. In many cases it is obvious and makes little difference; however when an issue is controversial or political I believe readers would like to know the source of that information as it can make a very big difference to how that message is received. I want to know that I can trust the information presented and that the person or group has the courage to be accountable for what they are disseminating. “Submitted” on an article has the same tone as “anonymous” on a letter - there are times when it doesn’t inspire a lot of faith. I would welcome hearing the editor’s thoughts on this suggestion.
Martine Bouillir
Ed. We can’t have a hard and fast rule but we will do our best to provide that information.
Freedom camping issues
The Golden Bay Community Board is putting together a submission to the TDC’s proposed Freedom Camping bylaw. The draft bylaw is available on the TDC website. If you have concerns about freedom camping, or the draft bylaw, contact the Community board at: gbcb@tasman.govt.nz, or put in your own submission either online or through the service centre.
Leigh Gamby, Golden Bay Community Board
The issue here is about education and people being able to take care of their waste. How fully conscious are we for the end time of our plastic wrappers and waste excrement?
Shouldn’t we be looking more positively at some viable solutions? What say a rolling compost unique human system or a couple of bins placed strategically might enlighten some of our less environmentally aware friends.
We come to the river for the peace and companionship it brings. We, the traveller, won’t stop coming because of the threat of some fine, just as there will always be crap on the side of the road, with or without freedom campers. Polarised opinion blaming so-called “squatters” is hypocritical and does not tackle the issue.
In this more conscious world could we please come up with something more solvable and egalitarian than simply trying to fine the economically challenged?
David Weeks
Charter for Compassion
Graham Milne’s letter (GBW 1/4) said “support for the charter will be accompanied by dialogue if the charter is to carry any weight in civic affairs”.
Karen Armstrong’s book Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life is, I reckon, an excellent place to start. For each of us the best place to start is with our own selves. This is not a quick-fix solution to our own, our neighbour’s or the world’s problems but it is the most challenging and the most hopeful I have come across.
As Karen Armstrong has written: we have evolved from “the reptiles that struggled out of the primeval slime some 500 million years ago. Wholly intent on personal survival, these creatures were motivated by mechanisms that neuroscientists have called the Four Fs: feeding, fighting, fleeing, and – for want of a more basic word - reproduction.” But our “old brain” is still programmed to respond to these drives selfishly. Do visit the website for the charter: charterforcompassion.org
Compassion puts an altogether different slant on life as the great philosophers and prophets have discerned. I need to think and act more compassionately. We all do. If anyone reading this is willing to study this book of Karen Armstrong’s in a group, would you please contact me by phone or email. Phone: 525 8386; email: pamchas@clear.net.nz
Charles Naylor
Unusual meeting
Along with nine other members of the 5,000-strong Golden Bay community I attended a most unusual meeting in the East Takaka Hall this week. It was called by ex-councillor Stuart Borlase at the request of TDC CEO Paul Wylie.
When asked about the purpose of the meeting, Mr Wylie said it was “to find out what Golden Bay wants”. The Golden Bay Community Board holds eight community meetings for this purpose each year so it was very puzzling that a TDC employee should wish to do this.
We subsequently learned that the CEO had hoped to attract an audience other than those who usually take an interest in such matters. He failed.
In addition, most of the topics he raised were matters of “governance” not “management”. “Governance” is the responsibility of elected representatives (mayor, councillors, and board members) who are responsible to residents and ratepayers for setting TDC policy. It is the job of a CEO, as an employee, to carry out elected members’ direction.
Towards the end, a participant asked the CEO who would pay the $672 charge for two hours of his time. Mr Wylie refused to answer.
Our mayor and councillors must take control of our council.
Joe Bell
There was a most bizarre, unadvertised, meeting in East Takaka Hall on Monday night where the CEO of the TDC was meant to address a select group to engage in what can only be described as a failed attempt to manipulate consultation. The CEO began with an anti-amalgamation rant and finished up by saying that he was very disappointed with the meeting, which had not accomplished his objective.
He claimed that he wanted to hear what Golden Bay wanted, yet he repeatedly interrupted other speakers and claimed to be ignorant of documents like past surveys.
Is it the job of the CEO to sneak about and try to obtain selective consultation? I suggest he stick to his job and leave the consultation process to elected members and commissioners.
Victoria Davis
Fish and Game
Fish and Game is having a council meeting in Golden Bay on the afternoon of 19 April at the River Inn.
Fish and Game administers sports fish (trout and salmon) and gamebirds (waterfowl and upland game) on behalf of anglers and hunters who pay licence fees. The council is elected by licence-holders and is interested in their views and those of the public. Staff will make presentations on work programmes occurring in the Bay. This includes providing access to Golden Bay rivers, wetland enhancement work, and wildlife and fisheries management.
Licence-holders, landowners, recreational and environmental interests and members of the public are welcome to attend the public session of the meeting from 4pm, and/or attend the meet the council session from 6pm with light refreshments, staff will give presentations from 7pm. Everyone is welcome. If you wish to come at 6pm and share in light refreshments, for catering purposes, please advise Karen on 03 544 6382 or email kcrook@fishandgame.org.nz
Karen Crook, Nelson Marlborough Fish And Game
Did you dump a kitten?
To the caring, compassionate peole who dumped a kitten near our farm, good on you. Please know that your brave little cat was first mauled by dogs then had to be finished off. I hope this gives you a warm fuzzy feeling and you sleep peacefully at night. For the want of a box or even a sack and leaving the kitten at the vet’s or SPCA you caused an immense amount of distress, both human and animal. Next time imagine how you would feel.
Sue Hitchcock
We Shall Fight Them on the Beaches
It has been a few weeks now since the proponents of rock walls and the proponents of sand dunes lined up against one another with their clubs, spears and swords, on the sands of Pakawau. How about TDC joining in? After all, they have a coastal policy which, shoot me if I am wrong, they are officially committed to implementing.
The information they have could be the ultimate deterrent, and the people of Pakawau could once again be at peace with one another; well, for a while anyway.
Fiona Wilson, PCCG Inc
Wednesday Walks – whi(m)p style
I am a fairly new member of the Wednesday Walkers and can recommend their walks to those of you who are keen to see more of the Golden Bay countryside with some challenges to be met. I belong to the group that is happy to let keen trampers take on the hills while I enjoy the scenery.
I was asked if I would like to set up a separate group of like-minded people and was heartened by the response, so we are drawing up a list of suitable walks and would be happy to hear any ideas you may have.
We will gather at 9am each Wednesday (weather permitting) near the steps of the Information Centre car park, where we will organise carpooling for a small charge. Walks will probably range from two to four hours approximately. There may be uphill parts but it is more to enjoy the scenery and the good company with a bit of a challenge. We will be able to join the other group when they do some of their easier walks. Turn up on a Wednesday with a day pack, drink and snack and a coat if necessary. Light tramping boots are really good.
Jo Northover
Hockey
The hockey club has delayed their game start time until 11am to accommodate all those busy parents ferrying kids to and from the showgrounds, feeding winter stock, or whatever your excuse was. Hockey is one of the cheapest winter sports available to a wide range of people. Shin pads and a mouth guard are all you need. The whole family can play for the same team at the same time. We would love to see some more young people join the game. There’s no commitment over the Hill, the games are all right here at Takaka Primary School. There’s no practice nights and we never play in the rain. If you’ve never played before or it’s been 20 years it doesn’t matter, come and give it a go. We’d love to see you there. For more info phone us on 525 6116. See advert in this week’s GB Weekly on the sports page.
Fleur and Neil Murray
Roll with the Wrinklies
The Wrinklies organisation will hold its Annual General Meeting at the Senior Citizens’ Hall on Tuesday 19 April at 1pm and host a lunch for its existing members who attend.
The Wrinklies was formed in the 1980s by a group of people in the Bay to help those requiring medical attention in Nelson and locally, who either did not drive or felt uncomfortable about the drive to and from appointments. People could retain their independence and not have to impose on their friends and relatives.
The Wrinklies is a trust managed by voluntary staff and relies on generous sponsorship. It runs two modern vehicles, one for medical appointments within the Bay and one for the trip to Motueka and Nelson to other medical organisations and the hospital.
The annual subscription is $15, which is payable now, and then the ride to and from Nelson is $30 per trip ($20 within the Bay and $10 within the Takaka township area), which compares favourably with any other options. If you are over 50 and/or have a disability you automatically qualify, so take the time to join this worthy organisation and provide yourself with the means of retaining your independence.
Come along to the meeting and meet the people.We’d love to see you there.
Children’s second-hand clothing and toy sale
Our now famous second-hand sale (in Takaka anyway), is on again. Golden Bay Toy Library will be having our twice-yearly second-hand clothing, book and toy sale on Saturday 7 May at the Senior Citizens’ Hall starting at 9am. It’s open for anyone to sell any items relating from pregnancy to teenagers. You drop off your named and priced items and we sell them on the day for only $5 all up (not per item). Spend a couple of hours over the next few weeks having a sort out and make yourself a few dollars. Anything from trikes to t-shirts! For further information phone Fleur 525 6116.
Fleur Murray for Golden Bay Toy Library
