Letters 15 July
Independent Golden Bay Council
Regardless of the merits of Ursus Schwarz’s (GBW Letter 8/7) suggestion for Golden Bay independence, this option is currently not available. The Local Government Act 2002 Schedule 3 clause 6 (a) requires a District Council reorganisation proposal to have a minimum population of 10,000 people.
Golden Bay Ward could achieve the required population by forming a council in conjunction with Motueka Ward. This option was included in submission to the Local Government Commission as part of the current process but excluded from consideration by them.
Community efforts need to concentrate on achieving the very best possible outcomes through the current process. We must not become sidetracked by chasing options that are unable to be considered.
The LGC proposal provides the best opportunity we have had in 22 years to reclaim local governance from the Richmond vortex.
Annual savings through reduced duplication of up to $4.7 million are also identified.
Rather than being disadvantaged by the current proposal, Tasman would have 28 elected representatives in place of the current 22 (19 community board members and 9 councillors).
Properly budgeted decision-making delegations provide the opportunity to return “local governance” to “locals”.
Joe Bell
Care for Canaan Downs?
Have you enjoyed events such as Luminate or Canaan Downs Festival? Do you believe in supporting community projects with an environmentally sustainable vision, which take action with compassion for the greater good?
We are calling out to the community for help to ensure that Canaan Downs remains available and accessible to our communities for events and public enjoyment, and to assist protection and regeneration of the existing beech forest, and enhancement of the native biodiversity.
We are offering you the chance to join us in ensuring ongoing guardianship of this amazing, iconic and unique environment. You can help us by purchasing a share or shares in the land, or by making a donation of any value to Luminate Trust.
A voting share is $10,000 and an individual, company or trust may purchase any number of shares, up to the value available. The minimum investment is $2000, and a number of these non-voting shares can be combined to give one shared vote.
Need more information? Drop by the Dangerous Kitchen on Friday 15 July from midday, where we will have the investment info pack available and can answer any questions you may have. A visit to the land will take place on Sunday 17 July; bookings are essential. The investment information pack is also available at <http://issuu.com/luminate> or email us for more details: info@luminatefestival.co.nz
Jules Harper and Rita Davies, on behalf of Canaan Downs Collective
Cobb houses
Sadly, due to substantially increased running costs, the GB Community Workers have had to increase the rental charges of the two Cobb Houses in the Cobb Valley, which they manage. As of 1 July 2011 the new charges are as follows: $40 per night minimum charge (two adults and two children). Plus for every extra person $15 per adult per night and $10 per child per night.
We believe this still represents very good value for money, and we look forward to booking you in for a holiday there to enjoy the snow!
Emma Brazendale
World on a Plate
What a great event World on a Plate proved to be. Thanks to everyone who braved a cold, wet night to enjoy the feasting and entertainment. A wonderful celebration of our diverse community. Special thanks to the amazing volunteer chefs and helpers; what an awesome job you did. Paddy Brennan must be mentioned for her wonderful innovative thinking and design in creating this successful event. Thanks also to all the parents and Home and School committee for their behind-the-scenes involvement. Any feedback gratefully received.
Caroline Jones, Chairperson, GBHS Home and School Association
The Tempest
I have waited in vain for a review of The Tempest in your esteemed weekly! I, for one, offer my sincere congratulations to GBHS for succeeding in taking the audience along with its production. Having seen a number of Shakespeare plays over the years I can honestly say that I appreciated and enjoyed this the most of all.
More than just acting out their parts, the cast told us the story with gravity and humour in a way that we the audience could “get it”, even the subtle bits. Most of the cast got inside the skin of their characters, and acted their parts well; some were outstanding with excellent delivery of lines which were easy to understand. The synopsis in the programme with opportunities to read it filled in the gaps. This production will further the tradition of high quality teen theatre in Golden Bay.
Celia Butler
The White Room
To everyone who’s visited, The White Room is taking a wee holiday away from the installation art scene. We’d just like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have supported us through just under 50 exhibitions. To these exhibitors, followers and passers-by, a big, big thank you.
In the twisted words of Arnie: “We’ll be back.”
The Roving White Room is still available and very much alive. For more information contact Kas or Toy at Lollokiki, 525 8860. Watch this space.
Kas and Toy
Concert in Collingwood
This Saturday the Takaka Citizens’ Band will be playing at the Joan Whiting Rest Home in Collingwood at 3.30pm. At 5pm we will play in the Collingwood Tavern (no cover charge). Hope to see you there!
Henk Visker, Takaka Citizens’ Band
Are you missing your cat?
In the SPCA cattery at present there are seven grown cats awaiting new homes, or better still their old homes. We have two very friendly black-and-white cats, one wearing a collar, picked up in Rockville, and the other found injured in Kotinga. Despite having their mug shots in the paper we have had no phone calls about them. Could one of these cats be yours?
If you have any information that may help us with finding these cats homes, or if you would like to adopt a cat please ph Carol Wells, 525 9494.
Carol Wells, on behalf of Golden Bay SPCA
Ed. HH - next week.
