Letters Friday 29 July 2011
Heaphy Track photos needed
For the last couple of years or so I have been working on writing a book about the Heaphy Track. The writing part is now finished but I am still looking for suitable photographs. If you have any old or interesting photographs taken on the Heaphy that you are happy to have published please get in touch with me at cpetyt@xtra.co.nz or 5258154. Obviously only a limited number of photos can be included in the book so I’ll have to be selective. Thanks to all who have already helped in any way.
Chris Petyt
Proposed union of councils
I work for TDC, so some may discount my views as “having a vested interest” or that I may have some useful insights. Personally I’m still undecided. I do see some merits and lots of my work is bi-regional. I have concerns at some misconceptions regarding the proposal and the likely outcomes.
There seems to be a strong “flavour” in our community of – we don’t like this council (Richmond) so a change will be better – why? In meetings in Richmond I often hear how positively Golden Bay is viewed.
Two councillors in 13, or one councillor in 16, (both with boards). I think we have better representation now.
Tasks delegated to the board in the proposal are no different to what they have now been granted.
Philip Woollaston spoke very persuasively “for” – however he did state we must all submit.
Mayor Kempthorne said that “any delegations granted to the board by the LGC will be granted to this present board”. So submit if you want to extend the powers of the board – amalgamation or not.
Nelson’s $50 million debt is what percentage of the possible they can borrow based on land or capital value? Compare this to Tasman with our $120 million debt? What does this debt do for us (in both regions) eg how many kms of roading and river protection is managed in each region? Just looking at Tasman’s big debt misses the point.
Amalgamation will have 10 “city councillors” and 6 “rural councillors”. Fair representation?
Claire Webster
I would like to give two bouquets this week. One for the number of ratepayers who turned out to hear the presentations on the amalgamation of TDC with Nelson City Council. The hall was filled to capacity. The other goes to the organisers of the meeting and facilitation of Martine Bouillir.
It was interesting to note that Mayor Kempthorne stated he was against this amalgamation, yet Mayor Miccio was very condescending in his attitude, stating that if this went ahead many of his staff would lose their jobs but were prepared to sacrifice them for the greater good.
I must apologise for asking the audience for a hands up poll at the beginning of question time, requesting an indication from those present whether for or against this issue. I was shouted down. I was curious as to how those present were leaning. However there were certainly clear indications of this question as to which way they stood, from the council presenters.
Reg Turner
I am not standing for council but I feel people should know some of the less palatable facts about the amalgamation saga.
Rates: Because TDC’s total capital value is 35% more than Nelson City it is suggested that a standardised rating system based on capital value, TDC’s present system, should be used because it would have a lower impact. Under this scenario, Tasman rates would increase by 13% and Nelson rates would reduce by 14%.
If the decision was to use land values, NCC’s present system, post-amalgamation figures would result in a 23% increase for TDC ratepayers and a 24% decrease for NCC. The Commission has suggested more use of the UAGC system, targeted rates, spreading the transition over a few years to mitigate the cost. Unfortunately, the costs won’t go away; payment of the 13% increase will come out of TDC ratepayers’ pockets should the amalgamation go ahead and capital value rating be applied.
Representation: The Commission has decided that there will be one Mayor and sixteen councilors, one of which will represent Golden Bay, for the united Council, with five community boards. At present we have thirteen councilors, two of which represent Golden Bay.
The TDC has come up with delegations for the present community boards, the same Central Government restrictions are in place so it will be pretty much the same old in that area.
Stuart Borlase
Ed. The GB Weekly has received a copy of the letter sent by TDC to the Local Government Commission in which the council addresses the “factual errors, omissions and unsubstantiated assertions in the reports, particularly the Strateg.Ease report.” The information is very technical and detailed. When we have a response from the LGC we will attempt to make all the information available to our readers in as comprehensible a fashion as we can manage.
Golden Bay talent
First we had Alison Mead who was accepted into the New Zealand Army Band, which is a worldwide renowned band and this is a great accomplishment on her part.
Then we had Christopher Line who completed in the National Junior Athletics and broke the New Zealand record in the javelin throw. Another great achievement.
Next is Nikita Buys who has competed with great success at various country music awards around New Zealand, coming home with her arms full of trophies. Last year she won overall sash for the intermediate section at the Gore Golden Globe. Another great accomplishment.
Now we have Adam Bickley who has been accepted into the New Zealand National Brass Band which is recognised as the best champion brass band in the world. Once again a great feat.
Ron Swan
Abel Tasman statue
Thank you for Em Hofstede’s interesting article (GBW 22/7) on the complex matters surrounding the location of the Abel Tasman statue and how we recognise the 1642 events as part of New Zealand’s historical record.
However, there are a couple of points I would like to clarify. Firstly, I’m not a chairperson of any group planning events for 2012, and there is no group. But I’d happily be described as a “champion” of a 370th commemoration during 2012, and submitted on this to both Nelson and Tasman annual plans. While the Netherlands ambassador Mr Arie van der Wiel is also enthusiastic about marking the anniversary, it’s really up to the councils now. Decisions on what might happen should also involve input from local iwi.
Secondly, we all need to be careful in how we refer to marking events such as those of 1642, where there is misunderstanding and loss of life. If I accidentally said “celebration” while talking to Em, I sincerely apologise; the only appropriate word to use is “commemoration”.
Penny Griffith
In the article (GBW 22/7) you say Tasman carried ‘crude navigational instruments’. Not so.
The Dutch led the way in such matters in the 17th century, and the instruments he was using were at the cutting edge of developments in their navigation equipment, way ahead of those of other European countries.
With them, he and his experienced team of navigators were capable of using the moon and its orbiting planets to plot his position on the spherical surface of the ocean; were part of an international process plotting ocean-wide variations in compass bearings to aid in establishing his ship’s longitude; knew how to accurately calculate his latitude by measuring the altitude/orientation of the sun at its zenith each day; and we have recently recognised that they had accurately plotted their coastal courses and anchorage locations in New Zealand waters. “Crude” is a most unfair and inaccurate description of their skills.
Stuart Borlase is mistaken if he thinks he is “seeing what he looks like” when he looks up at what he believes is a statue of Abel Tasman. There are no proven portraits of him, so we have no idea of what he looked like. The statue at Tahunanui is a “one-sculpture-fits-all” design used to represent several explorers around the world and represents neither his form nor his features.
And the “Pacific statues” said to be in store in Te Papa are not “statues” but are excellently formed bronze models of the Heemskerck and Zeehaen, the two ships he commanded in 1642-1643. They were for a short while displayed in the pond alongside the museum but were inexcusably removed and hidden by Te Papa several years ago.
Grahame Anderson
Cash on Delivery
I think it is worth mentioning that since the Takaka Drama Society was formed more than fifty years ago, we have for the first time, three generations of one family involved in a production, Cash on Delivery by Michael Cooney, which starts at The Playhouse next Wednesday. Paul Sangster takes the part of Uncle George, his daughter Cathryn is Linda and her daughter Liana does the make-up for the entire cast. For ticket sale details please refer to the display ad on page 15.
Gillian Cunningham
NZ Mountain Film Festival
Good news for outdoor people! For the third year, the best of the NZ Mountain Film Festival is coming to Takaka.
Wild adventures in Africa, the Himalaya and the Swiss Alps are among the delights on offer. Expect some gorgeous film-making, spectacular scenery and a couple of excellent NZ offerings. Warning: some adrenalin bursts!
The six short films will screen on Mon 22nd August at the Village Theatre. One night only! Tickets will be available from Soul Shoes, Takaka.
Proceeds will go towards building cycle tracks in Golden Bay.
Beth Burdett
CORRECTION
In an article on Collingwood Area School (GBW 15/7) it was incorrectly stated that the school has earned itself “silver status” in the Enviroschools programme.
